Mentakab Hospital::Aedes Breeding Ground

Mentakab Hospital Conducts Dengue Checks Every Three Days

KUANTAN, Jan 26 (Bernama) -- The Mentakab Hospital, which was among 142 premises issued compound notices for breeding the Aedes mosquito, has taken the initiative to conduct dengue checks every three days.

Its director, Dr Bahari Che Awang Ngah, told Bernama here Wednesday that apart from conducting regular checks, the surrounding areas and drains would also be cleaned.

He said that since the Aedes mosquito can breed in just three days, it is important to carry out checks every three days to ensure an Aedes-free environment.

"Previously, we conducted checks twice a week but since the number of dengue cases had increased we need to be more alert," he said.

Dr Bahari said the hospital had been issued a compound notice by the Pahang Health Department and the hospital had been taking various initiatives to avoid a similar occurrence.

Tuesday, Health Minister Datuk Dr Chua Soi Lek said 17,555 premises in Pahang were inspected and the Mentakab Hospital was among the 142 issued compound notices carrying a RM500 fine.

Dr Chua had said that the action to compound even a hospital shows that the ministry would not favour any government department or agency.

Meanwhile, Pahang Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Adnan Yaakob said dengue in the state was under control and advised the public to remain calm.

However, he urged the public to keep their premises clean to prevent the Aedes mosquito from breeding.

"We assess the areas through the number of cases reported. If one case is reported in a particular area it is normal but if two cases are reported it is serious. But so far the situation is under control," he told reporters after chairing the weekly state executive council meeting, here.

Two deaths have been reported in Pahang so far due to suspected dengue. A 46-year-old man in Temerloh died on Jan 6 and a 16-year-old student from Sekolah Menengah Tengku Ampuan Afzan, Kuantan, died two days ago.

"Since the Aedes mosquito breeds in clean water, it should be easier to tackle the problem if we can keep the premises clean," he said.

-- BERNAMA