Dr Jamilah Hashim
KUCHING: Sarawak has registered a 50.7 per cent decline in terms of cumulative cases of dengue fever between Jan 1 and May 27 this year compared with the same period last year.
State Health Department director Dr Jamilah Hashim said a total of 578 dengue cases were reported in the first five months of this year compared to 1,172 cases over the corresponding period last year.
“This shows a good sign where the cases were reduced by 50.7 per cent (594 cases) compared to the same period in 2016,” she told The Borneo Post yesterday.
Dr Jamilah pointed out that six districts registered an increase in dengue cases exceeding ten cases between Jan 1 to May 27 this year compared to the same period last year, namely Sarikei (31 cases), Limbang (25 cases), Saratok (13 cases), Daro (13 cases), Selangau (10 cases) dan Betong (10 cases).
“The total cumulative deaths due to dengue fever between Jan 1 and May 27 this year were three deaths compared to four deaths in the same period last year, which showed a reduction of 25 per cent or one death.”
Dr Jamilah said despite the reduction in the number of dengue cases reported, people should not rest on their laurels by not looking after their personal safety or not maintaining cleanliness of their surroundings.
“The widespread public movement during the school holiday and Gawai festive season can cause the dengue fever infection to spread faster if there are Aedes mosquitoes in their surroundings.”
Therefore, in conjunction with the Gawai Dayak celebration today, Dr Jamilah advised members of the community to conduct prevention activities such as ensuring that there as no containers or places that have the potential to be breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes within their residences or surroundings, especially when they return to their respective villages.
She also advised people to use aerosol sprays to kill mosquitoes when they are at home besides applying mosquito repellent on parts of the body that are exposed to mosquito bites, especially during the mosquitoes’ active period between 5am and 7am as well as 5pm and 7pm.
Increase of 5,004 HFMD cases throughout state between Jan 1 and May 27 — Dr Jamilah
Besides that, Dr Jamilah also advised bus operators to use aerosol spray in the bus half-an-hour before their buses are boarded by passengers.
“To detect dengue cases earlier, anyone who experiences symptoms such as fever, body aches, joint paint, vomiting or headaches is advised to seek medical treatment at a nearby clinic or hospital. Early detection and treatment will be able to save lives and prevent dengue fever complications.”
As for hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD), Dr Jamilah said there was an increase of 5,004 cases throughout the state between Jan 1 and May 27 this year.
A total of 5,829 cases were registered for the first five months of this year, compared to only 825 cases registered over the same period last year.
“A total of 212 cases were admitted to the hospital due to lack of appetite and high fever. There are no deaths reported so far.”
She reminded the public on the importance of maintaining a high level of personal and environmental hygiene to reduce the risk of HFMD infection.
“Parents are also advised to bring their children who have symptoms such as fever, mouth ulcers, and rashes on palms, foot soles or buttocks for medical attention. They should also ensure that children who are infected with HFMD remain at home until all blisters are dried.
“During this period, the patient must be separated, especially from other children (including siblings) until he/she has recovered. The children cannot be brought to any public places or congested places.”
Parents are also encouraged to inform the nearest district health office or directly to the state Health Department’s Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) through its hotline at 082-443248/082-441780, or email [email protected].
The centre operates from 8am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, and 9am to 3pm on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Meanwhile, to reduce the risk of food poisoning during this festive season, Dr Jamilah also advised the public to prioritise cleanliness by ensuring that they wash their hands before touching their food and after using the toilet.
“The tools used for food preparation must be clean so that there will not be bacteria that are still active. The area used for food preparation must also be clean. Practise ‘see, smell and taste’ before enjoying the food. This is important to prevent any food poisoning.”
Dr Jamilah also reminded the public on the danger of excessive alcohol consumption during this festive season.
“The local community is encouraged to reduce alcoholic beverage intake that will damage their health and cause social and accident-related problems.”