Most Read
Most Commented
Read more like this
mk-logo
From Our Readers

It is heartening to note that the dengue situation in the country appears to be somewhat under control, with fewer cases of dengue related fatalities being reported. The many anti-dengue awareness campaigns and the superb public cooperation with the authorities to get rid of aedes breeding sites is beginning to show positive results.

We should continue to be vigilant as the threat of dengue is not over yet as this particular mosquito-borne virus has the potential to mutate when it’s ‘challenged’. However, I am confident with the kind of support and cooperation shown by the public we can stop the dengue mosquito  rampage.

Destroying breeding sites of dengue mosquitoes has proven to be the most effective and excellent way to control the spread of this deadly disease. The authorities should keep a sharp lookout for abandoned and unmonitored construction sites. These places are known to be notorious breeding grounds for dengue mosquitoes in the urban areas. Construction sites and business premises should be frequently inspected by the authorities for compliance.

As for the general public, they should continue to keep their houses and surroundings clean. Participating in gotong-royong activities organised by the authorities or residents associations will go a long way to keep all of us safe from the deadly mosquito-borne disease.

Having said that I wish to draw the attention of those organising gotong-royong  campaigns that participating in these activities may inadvertently expose one to a mosquito bite. Although the chances of getting dengue infection is relatively low, it’s always good to take safety precautions. We cannot however ignore completely the fact that the sprucing and mass clearing activities at the mosquito-resting habitats is a risk.

The chances of one being be bitten by a dengue virus-harbouring mosquito cannot be ruled out.

 I have come across individuals  who have participated in  gotong-royong activities in dengue endemic areas coming down with the dengue infection later. Although there are no statistics on the number of people actually been infected with dengue due to gotong-royong activities, nevertheless, we should view these minor incidents(cases) with concern.

Resident organisations carrying out anti-dengue campaigns should ideally request the authorities to fog the area identified for their activities one or two days earlier. The fogging will kill the adult mosquitoes in the area making it much safer for the those who are participating  in the activities later. The early fogging also prevents adult mosquitoes from taking ‘refuge’ in homes when their habitats are disturbed during the gotong-royong.

It is highly recommended that those participating in gotong-royong activities in dengue-endemic areas take the necessary safety precautions as advised by the authorities. In view of the risk of people being bitten by dengue-infected mosquitoes during gotong royong activities its time perhaps we review the relevant SOPs and guidelines for those conducting gotong-royong activities in dengue-endemic areas.

ADS