Subramaniam show Aedes mosquitoes after visiting dengue hot spots in Bandar Baru Bangi. — Bernama photo
BANGI: A holistic approach is required to destroy Aedes breeding grounds to check the spead of dengue and the Zika virus, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam.
He said the public and local authorities needed to step up cooperation to destroy Aedes breeding grounds following public concerns over the two diseases, spread through the same means – Aedes mosquito bites.
“Although cleansing is in the work scope of the local authorities, the public must have awareness to keep their surroundings clean and to report inmmediately to the nearest health office on areas at risk of being Aedes breeding grounds.”
He said this after visiting dengue hot spots in Bandar Baru Bangi, here, yesterday.
Dr Subramaniam said the ministry would carry out inspections and fogging, besides placing the chemical larvicide (Abate) to destroy mosquito larvae.
“If there is cooperation and sharing of information in a holistic manner between residents, local authorities and the ministry, I believe we can reduce dengue cases and prevent a Zika virus outbreak,” he said.
Dr Subramaniam said this year until last Saturday, 15,251 dengue fever cases were recorded, an increase of 15 per cent over the 13,252 cases recorded in the same period, last year.
From the recorded figure so far this year, 7,355 cases occurred in Selangor.
However, deaths due to dengue dropped by 7.5 per cent, to 37 from 40 over the same period last year. — Bernama