Climate change affecting breeding of Aedes mosquito, minister says

Climate change is one of the factors affecting the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in the country, said Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad.

He said the breeding process of Aedes mosquitoes becomes very active when there is a temperature change.

“Structural factors such as ‘sand traps’ are also a factor. I noticed that ‘sand traps’ are the breeding base of Aedes.

“Rooftops that don’t meet public health requirements also become breeding grounds for larvae,” he said.

He was speaking to reporters after the Gotong Royong Mega Fight Aedes 2.0, 1 Hour Malaysia Clean Up and Malaysia Clean Up programme in Putrajaya today.

Yesterday, the Health Ministry reported that weather conditions play an important role in the transmission of dengue fever because it affects the habitat and survival of the Aedes aegypti mosquito.

According to the Malaysian Meteorological Department (MetMalaysia), the monsoon transition phase began on Tuesday (Sept 24) and is expected to continue until November.

Up to the 38th Epidemiological Week (ME38), which is from Sept 15-21, the Health Ministry reported 1,514 cases of dengue fever including two deaths.

Dzulkefly said the ministry will strengthen dengue prevention and control activities through district health offices, health clinics, and the Communication for Behaviour Change (Combi) volunteer team.

Among the activities carried out by the ministry with the cooperation of various agencies are vector control monitoring and inspection of Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.

- Bernama

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