WITH four neighbourhoods in Klang, Selangor, identified as dengue hotspots, the local authority is stepping up efforts to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
The hotspots are in Bandar Sultan Suleiman (five cases), Pandamaran Jaya (seven), Apartment Prima Bayu (six) and Taman Desawan (eight).
Klang Royal City Council (MBDK) Health Department director Azmi Muji said most Aedes mosquito breeding sites were found in people’s homes in items such as pails, flower pot plates or trays and vases.
“We need collective community action and vigilance to curb the surge in dengue,” he said, highlighting that MBDK had carried out fogging activities in the last few weeks.
He added that dengue hotspots were areas where there had been cases for more than 30 days from the first recorded case.
Azmi urged residents living in dengue hotspots to cooperate with the MBDK’s health inspectors during their rounds.
MBDK health inspectors checking a concrete tub for mosquito larvae.
“Our strategy for dengue control is source reduction, detection and removal of Aedes mosquito larvae and breeding sites.
“We also take a preventive and risk-based approach through pre-emptive checks in areas assessed to be at higher risk of dengue, even in the absence of dengue cases,” he said.
Azmi said that in areas with intensified dengue transmission, the city council worked closely with residents to ensure mosquito control measures were carried out.
“MBDK takes a multi-pronged approach to dengue control that comprises vector control measures, stakeholder engagement and community mobilisation as well as public communications.”
He said as of Nov 10, Klang recorded 7,462 dengue cases including two fatalities, compared to the corresponding period last year with 7,735 cases and two deaths.
Klang had 9,164 dengue cases and three deaths in the whole of 2023.
“At the four hotspots, we are getting residents to do their part such as spraying insecticide in dark corners around the house, applying insect repellent regularly and wearing long-sleeved tops and long trousers,” he said.
Sentosa had 1,162 cumulative cases so far this year while other areas with cases are Meru (1,055), Sementa (1,050), Kota Kemuning (1,046), Port Klang (784), Bandar Baru Klang (658), Sungai Kandis (569), Selat Klang (541), Pandamaran (525), Kota Anggerik (39) and Batu Tiga (33).
Azmi attributed the dengue cases to unusually warm weather and rain in the mornings, which created ideal breeding environment for mosquitoes.
“Residents should spend 10 minutes a week to check their homes and surroundings to ensure there are no potential Aedes breeding sites,” he added.
