Poor drainage contributing factor to rise in dengue cases in Kelantan

KOTA BARU: Poor solid waste management and poor drainage are among the factors that contribute to rising dengue cases in Kelantan.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said mounds of garbage were left unattended while clogged drains resulted in pools of stagnant water, which were breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
"The other factors include the lack of public cooperation in destroying Aedes mosquito breeding grounds in their house compounds which are often left unkempt while anti-dengue gotong-royong activities are also lacking."
The minister said this to reporters after visiting the Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) programme in fighting dengue at Taman Desa Kemumin Phase II, Pengkalan Chepa, here, today.
Dr Subramaniam said from January this year until now, 8,074 dengue fever cases with 12 deaths were reported in Kelantan compared to 839 cases with one death over the same period last year.
He said Kota Baru district had the highest number of cases, making up 78% of the total number of cases in the state.
In view of the dengue menace, he urged the local authorities to immediately improve solid waste management in their areas of jurisdiction and to ensure good drainage.
"The public, meanwhile, must take preventive measures like destroying Aedes breeding grounds each week around their homes," he said.
Dr Subramaniam said the Health Department had formed dengue-control teams with about 100 members to contain the disease outbreak.
He also called for more COMBI programmes be organised to empower the local communities in preventing and controlling disease outbreaks, particularly dengue fever. – Bernama