KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Health Department has launched the first series of "Ops Mega Kawalan dan Pencegahan Denggi" on March 1 as part of the efforts to handle recent dengue outbreak in the state.
According to a statement by the department, Sabah recorded 591 dengue cases up to Feb 21. The number showed an increase of 204 cases or 190 per cent as compared to the same period last year.
Kota Kinabalu and Penampang districts had 281 and 89 cases respectively.
The month-long operation involves 150 health personnel from various units including the Control and Prevention, Entomology, Health Promotion among others.
It expects outcomes of reduce number of dengue cases in state capital and Penampang within 30 days and also increase of awareness level among the community.
Besides fogging, the department would also conduct inspection of houses at hotspots, gotong royong activities with community, non-governmental organisations, and the local authorities.
Meanwhile, Kota Kinabalu City Hall Health Department director Robert Lipin said garbage collection and drains clearing were being done according to schedules.
"However, community have to be responsible to upkeep cleanliness at their own places," he added.