By Suhaila Shahrul Annuar
SHAH ALAM, Feb 17 — The state government has implemented the Selangor Integrated Dengue Operation (OBDS) to ensure the management of dengue fever cases in the state is more effective and can reduce the number of cases.
State executive councillor for public health Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said OBDS has been implemented since Wednesday (February 15) until March 22, focusing on the areas with the highest cumulative cases, namely Petaling, Hulu Langat, Klang and Gombak.
“With an allocation of almost RM1 million, this programme aims to increase the level of local community awareness regarding dengue fever through various approaches including the distribution of mosquito repellents, aerosol sprays as well as house-to-house enforcement activities to eliminate dengue breeding grounds.
“OBDS will involve the collaboration of various government departments and agencies including local authorities as well as volunteer agencies related to dengue such as the Selangor Community Health Volunteers (Suka) and Communication for Behavioral Impact (Combi),” she said at a press conference on the implementation of OBDS at the Selangor State Secretariat Building, Shah Alam, here yesterday.
In addition, Dr Siti Mariah said among the measures that will be implemented throughout the year to combat dengue in the state include a dengue-free competition at the community level.
“In addition, the channelling of funds to related volunteer agencies such as Suka, Combi or residents’ associations to carry out activities to eradicate breeding grounds as well as thermal sprays to notify each locality where dengue is hot so that residents can take immediate preventive measures.
“Enforcement activities from house to house to eliminate dengue breeding grounds will also be intensified. If any house is found to be a dengue breeding ground, they can be fined RM500,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dr Siti Mariah said eliminating breeding grounds of Aedes mosquitoes is the most effective way to control dengue outbreaks.
She said the community is advised to practise 10 minutes a week to find and eliminate breeding places around their homes.
According to her, the easiest area to become a breeding ground for Aedes mosquitoes is the alley behind the house that has a lot of standing water, abandoned cars, empty houses, especially uninhabited apartments and gardens made without permission.
“Make sure there are no places that can hold water openly such as flower pots and their bases, water storage containers, water filter containers and idle tires.
“Mosquitoes that have been infected with the dengue virus will produce eggs that also contain the same virus. So that cycle is very difficult for us to break and the best way is to get rid of mosquito breeding grounds.
“Other methods are only temporary, including thermal spray (fogging) which only kills adult mosquitoes,” she said.
Dr Siti Mariah added that the community can also prevent mosquito bites by using mosquito spray indoors, practising the use of mosquito repellants and installing nets on the windows of the house.
“These preventive measures are very important to ensure that the control of dengue fever cases in Selangor can be reduced,” she said.
