Twelve days ago (On Feb 11), I was severely hit by dengue, and had to be hospitalised due to its severe complications. I was discharged on Feb 20.

Dengue cases have just been escalating. Every day, there are new dengue cases filling the hospital wards. Jjust yesterday, three new cases - all children - were admitted in the hospital where I was warded. The severity of the complications of dengue have included permanent renal and irreversible liver damage, to name a few. There have been citizens writing in with scores of hundreds of letters to the papers and the Health Ministry and to our government.

The state of Selangor has reached a state of emergency - facing the worst with dengue - as the overwhelming dengue situation has got out of control. Just how much more is the public expected to do?

There have been many guidelines on what and what not to do. But the fact that dengue cases have reached an alarming rate, means it warrants for emergency measures to be taken. Fogging alone isn’t working and the layman can only do so much within his limitations.

I ask myself how the government could not do just anything any more and allowed its citizens to deal with and be put at risk by this alarming rate of dengue infestation? You should note that my family and I have taken close measures on the home front to prevent dengue, and yet I was severely hit.

Dengue should not be seen as a ‘common’. It is cruel and it has reached a state of emergency. It should be completely rid of in our states and our country and drastically minimised to levels of control. There is no cure for dengue. Hospitals can only do so much as treat the complications.

Right now, in front of our home across the road is a nesting/ breeding ground for the aedes mosquito. (It is also been a nesting ground for snakes and God knows what else.) It’s become an unkempt jungle out there left unattended by the owner. This jungle and the filth down there needs to be cleared.

I have also sent a copy of this letter to the Petaling Jaya City Council (MPPJ) to ask them to send help, to send the authorities immediately to check and take action against the owner. Get him to clean up his act and play his part to reduce the infestation. I ask this not just for me, but that it may bring good for my neighbours as well.

Yesterday, fogging was carried out as my family had asked for it. But the foggers only focussed on the houses. What about the jungle all the way alongside opposite the houses?

I am in recovery now, it will take me another two weeks before I am back on my feet again and my system is able to function as it used to.