Don’t forget about dengue, MMA says as Covid-19 fight continues

Fogging is a good short-term measure against the spread of dengue, says the Malaysian Medical Association. (Bernama pic)

PETALING JAYA: The Malaysian Medical Association has urged Malaysians to remain vigilant against dengue even as the nation combats the deadly Covid-19 virus.

The association’s president, Dr N Ganabaskaran, said dengue was still endemic in Malaysia, adding that the number of infections remained worrying.

The health ministry recorded 37,217 dengue cases nationwide from the beginning of the year to April 15. Selangor recorded 60% or 22,532 of the cases. This was followed by Johor (3,027) and Kuala Lumpur (2,781).

Selangor is also the worst hit when it comes to Covid-19, having recorded 1,316 cases as of April 15, followed by Kuala Lumpur (926) and Johor (301).

Ganabaskaran told FMT a person weakened by dengue infection would be at risk if exposed to Covid-19 or any other infectious disease.

“Like the fight against Covid-19, the fight against dengue is also a collective responsibility,” he said. “It is not just the responsibility of the municipal councils or health departments. We too have a role.”

He recalled televised campaigns against dengue in the 1970s and 1980s and said they were highly effective, as were enforcement checks for mosquito breeding grounds.

“Steep fines were imposed on owners of houses that had stagnant water in the drains and flower pots or other containers.

“People would panic at the sight of municipal officers paying a visit to their neighbourhoods, fearing they had containers around the house collecting water.”

Such enforcement efforts, he said, were rarely seen these days.

“I believe these measures were successful in raising awareness about dengue,” he said. “Perhaps similar strategies should be used to educate the current generation.”

He described fogging as a “good short-term measure” and said it could be carried out in hot spots even while government resources were focused on the fight against Covid-19.

He said the public ensure their houses are kept clean, with no water left collecting in drains and containers. - FMT