DENGUE fever is the most widespread mosquito-borne viral disease in the world. It was reported that this disease infects up to 51 million people a year, most of them in Asia.
The World Health Organisation had said in the last two decades, dengue had been reported in 33 of the 37 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. Last year, more than 43,000 dengue cases were reported with 92 deaths, up from 35 in 2012.
There is no known vaccine for dengue, so prevention is focused on mosquito control. The government recently introduced the first large-scale use of the biological agent bacillus thuringiensis israelensis, or BTI, a naturally occurring bacteria used in insect control.
The burden of dengue should not be shouldered by the government alone, we must do our part in getting rid of mosquito breeding grounds. It only takes between 15 and 20 minutes a week to eliminate mosquito breeding grounds.
First, keep containers and gutters outside the house dry and discard unwanted items. Second, change the water in pet containers regularly. Third, avoid hanging clothes in dark corners that serve as mosquito hiding places. Finally, inform the local council or Health Department of stagnant water sites.
We should also protect ourselves from mosquito bites when outdoors. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outside and apply insect repellant on exposed skin. We can control the spread of dengue if we all work together.
Lionel Perera, Port Dickson, Negri Sembilan