Increase in dengue cases with two deaths Southwest Penang

The number of dengue cases in the southwest of Penang Island has increased with two deaths reported since January, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.

He said among the hotspots were the Mutiara Perdana Flats in Bayan Lepas where 25 dengue cases and one death were reported during the period while another area was Sungai Ara with one death.

Dr Hilmi said the reasons behind the increased number of dengue cases were due to an unhygienic environment that was filled with rubbish which turned the areas into mosquito breeding grounds.

"Indeed, I have seen for myself that the hygiene in this area (Mutiara Perdana Flats) is really bad. Garbage is left uncollected, empty bottles strewn all over and drains clogged, causing the mosquito larva to breed," he told reporters here Friday.

Dr Hilmi also urged that joint management bodies of the areas to do their part and to address the matter.

"If this continues to occur, then we will drag the joint management bodies to the court," he added.

-- BERNAMA