Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection and the infection causes flu-like symptoms. AFP File Photo
MIRI: The Sarawak Health Department has dismissed the message of a dengue outbreak in Kampung Lusut and Taman Tunku here as “inaccurate”, saying only one case was reported in the area.
State Health Director Dr Jamilah binti Hashim in a statement dated April 4 said the single infection case reported was from Kampung Lusut Jaya 3, while there were no dengue cases in Taman Tunku.
Efforts to contain dengue in Kampung Lusut Jaya 3 has already been carried out by the Miri Division Health Office, Miri District Office, Miri City Council, village chief and development and security committee as well as local residents.
“The Sarawak Health Department hereby reminds the public to ensure that the environment inside and outside their houses are clean and free from Aedes mosquito breeding grounds, “ she said.
Dr Jamilah pointed out that they can take weekly preventive measures such as destroying such breeding grounds in water retention areas, spraying insecticide aerosol to kill adult Aedes mosquitoes in the house and to immediately seek medical treatment at the nearest clinic if they have a fever.
“Any delays in taking action could possibly be fatal, “ she warned.
Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection and the infection causes flu-like symptoms, and occasionally develops into a potentially lethal complication called severe dengue (also known as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever).
Meanwhile, members of the public can take Dengue Fever prevention steps according to the guidelines recommended by the Ministry at its website (www.myhealth.gov.my) or www.infosihat.gov.my.
According to the World Health Organisation ( WHO), there are four distinct, but closely related, serotypes of the virus that cause dengue (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3 and DEN-4) and recovery from infection by one provides lifelong immunity against that particular serotype.
However, cross-immunity to the other serotypes after recovery is only partial and temporary and subsequent infections by other serotypes increase the risk of developing severe dengue.
Meanwhile, Sibuti MP Lukanisman bin Awang Sauni on April 2 also urged the authorities and the public to be on their guard against Dengue outbreak in his constituency, saying he has received many messages from the public expressing concern over the development.