Dengue cases in Ipoh up by 140 per cent compared to last year

IPOH: The number of dengue cases in Ipoh city has increased by 140.2 per cent or 1,165 cases from Jan 1 to Oct 24 this year, compared to 485 cases reported in the same period in 2019.

Ipoh Mayor Datuk Rumaizi Baharin said there had also been one death recorded so far this year, while the cumulative number of Chikungunya cases in the Kinta district from January to Oct 26 was 583.

"However, prevention, control and health awareness campaigns on dengue fever and Chikungunya implemented since last June have helped reduce the dengue outbreaks from 35 localities to zero," he said in a statement here today.

He said the involvement of state authorities, state assemblymen, councilors, community leaders as well as dissemination of information through the mass and social media was crucial in the effort.

Earlier, Rumaizi in his speech at MBI’s full board meeting for October said the city council required all government buildings and agencies, business premises in Ipoh to fly the Perak state flag in conjunction with the Birthday of the Sultan of Perak, Sultan Nazrin Shah on Nov 6, while private premises were also encouraged to do so.

"To enliven the atmosphere of the celebration, government buildings and business premises are encouraged to turn on the lights in their respective buildings until midnight on Nov 5," he said.

-- BERNAMA