Labuan Health Dept detects 3 dengue epidemic clusters

LABUAN, June 9 (Bernama) -- Labuan Health Department has detected at least three dengue epidemic clusters here, recording seven cases in a week, with two patients still being warded for dengue fever.


Its director Dr Ismuni Bohari said the epidemic affected three highly-populated villages, Kg Layangan, Kg Bebuloh Laut water village, and Kg Baru Muslim UNHCR settlement.


At least 27 cases had been reported since January this year, an increase of almost 200 per cent compared to the corresponding period last year.


"Increased enforcement operations in many dengue-prone areas and active surveillance through health centres and hospitals attached to the directorate of health services have helped to detect more cases," he told Bernama today.


He regretted that reminders given to the villagers to keep their surroundings free from dengue risks seemed to have gone unheeded.


He said the department’s enforcement team with the cooperation of Labuan Corporation's health department would conduct integrated enforcement operations in the villages, under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975.


Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of RM10, 000 or imprisonment of not more than two years or both.


-- BERNAMA