Drop in dengue cases in Labuan

LABUAN, July 16 (Bernama) -- The number of dengue cases reported in the duty-free-island here dropped to 23 so far this year, compared to 56 in the corresponding period last year.

Labuan Health Department director Dr Ismuni Bohari also confirmed zero admittance of dengue cases this year, compared to four who were afflicted with the disease and warded in hospitals last year.

“All the 23 cases were identified at scattered areas on the island, and we are worried about cases coming from the mainland,” he told reporters after officiating the 1st Borneo Aquatic Emergency Medical Response Workshop at Palm Beach Resort and Spa here today.

He advised members of the public to work together in controlling the spread of dengue by destroying mosquito breeding grounds and getting immediate medical treatment if they experience body aches, rashes, fever and loss of appetite.

“Our enforcement team is intensifying efforts to prevent dengue outbreak on the island and stopping its spread to other villages.

“Enforcement units have been deployed to check on residential areas particularly at low-cost flats and construction grounds, as well as villages and public parks to monitor possible mosquito breeding sites,” he said.

He disclosed the highly-populated United Nations High Commission for Refugees (UNHCR)-sanctioned settlements of Kg Muslim remain a dengue hot spot.

-- BERNAMA