DENGUE cases in Penang have shown a significant decline, with the state recording only 39 cases in the 49th week of the year, marking a 40% drop compared to the same period last year.
Penang Youth, Sports, and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen attributed the decrease to proactive measures undertaken by the authorities, including mosquito fogging and public awareness campaigns.
“Despite occasional rainfall, the number of dengue cases is still on a downward trend,” Gooi said.
He added that the state Health Department has been focusing on areas with high incidences of dengue by intensifying mosquito control measures and educating the public about preventive actions.
Looking ahead, Gooi mentioned that increasing mosquito extermination efforts are being considered for next year.
Meanwhile, the Penang Island City Council (MBPP) is collaborating with the Penang Health Department to tackle dengue issues, especially in urban areas such as George Town.
MBPP Public Health and Licensing Committee alternate chairman Tan Soo Siang emphasised that MBPP has ramped up ‘search and destroy’ activities to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites.
The council has also implemented public health initiatives, including, distributing brochures at food complexes and public markets; hosting exhibitions at public programmes; conducting ‘prevent dengue’ educational campaigns in schools; and displaying dengue prevention messages on electronic billboards.
“The use of fogging and larvicide treatments remains an effective strategy to curb the spread of dengue.
“Fogging targets adult mosquitoes infected with the dengue virus to break the transmission chain, while larvicide destroys mosquito larvae,” Tan explained.
These control measures are carried out in accordance with protocols set by the Ministry of Health.
For more information on dengue statistics, the public is encouraged to refer to updates from the Ministry of Health.
Story by Christopher Tan
Pix by Darwina Mohd Daud and courtesy of contributors