Fogging being carried out in dengue hot spot areas in Klang. - Filepic
DENGUE cases are surging in Selangor, driven by the hot weather, intermittent rains and a more active variant of the Aedes mosquito.
Until Aug 11, the Selangor Health Department recorded a total of 46,454 cases with 14 deaths, compared to the corresponding period last year where cases stood at 36,330 with eight deaths.
Four districts recording the highest number of cases were Petaling with 15,606 and two deaths, Hulu Langat (13,251 with six deaths), Klang (6,131) and Gombak (6,029) with two deaths each.
Other districts were Sepang (2,160 with one death), Kuala Langat (1,221), Hulu Selangor (1,119), Kuala Selangor (829 with one death) and Sabak Bernam (108) (see graphic).
An average of 1,451 dengue cases have been reported in Selangor every week.
At a press conference during Subang Jaya’s “Sihat Selangor Carnival”, state public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin attributed the rise to changes in the environment and a more active variant of the Aedes mosquito.
Selangor Health Department spokesperson said efforts to eradicate Aedes mosquito population through removal of stagnant water within homes and around the compound had been intensified.
People are urged to protect themselves through protective clothing or by using insect repellent to help curb the spread of the disease.
Meanwhile, Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Health Department director Azmi Muji said the city council was concentrating its efforts on cleaning up illegal dumpsites and clearing containers left in back lanes which could collect water.
He said there had been 6,131 cases with two deaths recorded in Klang city until Aug 11.
Constituencies in Klang district with dengue cases are Kota Anggerik (29), Batu Tiga (30), Pandamaran (396), Selat Klang (426), Sungai Kandis (492), Bandar Baru Klang (580), Port Klang (657), Kota Kemuning (835), Sementa (848), Meru (862) and Sentosa (976).
“Clay pot saucers used for flower pots must be checked for mosquito larvae.
“Even pails should be kept inverted when not in use,” said Azmi.
“Draining dish racks of water is another simple step that all of us can take.”
