Dengue outbreak at Batu Kawa townhouse prompts intensified control measures

KUCHING (Jan 26): Authorities are intensifying control measures at Kensho Townhouse, Pines Square in Batu Kawa here following a dengue fever outbreak reported earlier this month.

Padawan Municipal Council (MPP) chairman Tan Kai said the outbreak, which was reported on Jan 5, is expected to end on Feb 7, provided no new cases are detected.

According to him, investigations carried out by MPP found Aedes mosquito breeding sites in the surrounding area to be the cause of the outbreak.

“MPP is currently working closely with the Kuching Divisional Health Office to implement intensive outdoor and indoor fogging operations to curb the spread of dengue,” he said in a statement.

He however, expressed grave concern over the lack of cooperation from certain residents, particularly those who have denied access for indoor fogging, which he stressed is critical in controlling the outbreak.

“All residents must give full cooperation to the authorities. Failure to do so will jeopardise public health and delay outbreak control,” he said.

Tan urged residents to immediately remove stagnant water containers inside and outside their homes, ensure cleanliness within their houses and surrounding areas, and eliminate all potential mosquito breeding sites.

“The residents are also advised to carry out self-administered aerosol spraying indoors as an additional control measure and to avoid outdoor activities during the outbreak period, especially during peak mosquito biting times in the early morning and late evening.

“If outdoor activities are unavoidable, use insect repellent to reduce the risk of mosquito bites,” he said.

He said property owners who do not reside in the area are to inspect their premises without delay.

“Larvicides must be placed in gully traps, toilet bowls and toilet cistern tanks,” he added.

Stressing that dengue is preventable through collective action, Tan urged residents experiencing symptoms such as high fever, headache, body pain, nausea or extreme tiredness to seek medical treatment immediately and to inform doctors that they live in an outbreak area.

“MPP calls on all residents to act responsibly and work together with the authorities to safeguard public health and prevent further spread of dengue fever,” he said.