From January 1 to May 4, there have been 8,708 confirmed cases of Dengue fever reported nationwide, with 4 fatalities attributed to the disease. The Ministry of Health and Medical Services has issued a strong warning to the public to stay alert and take preventive measures against Dengue fever, as the increase in cases can be largely linked to the recent heavy rainfall and flooding.
The Western Division is the most severely impacted region, reporting 4,357 cases, followed by the Central Division with 2,092 cases, and the Northern Division with 2,048 cases. The Eastern Division has recorded 211 cases. Hospitalizations due to Dengue fever have reached 1,768, indicating a worrying trend as health facilities continue to see an influx of new cases.
To combat this outbreak, the Ministry is actively engaged in public health interventions. These initiatives include house-to-house surveillance, larval sampling to identify mosquito breeding grounds, and the use of larvicides. Adult mosquito spraying and community clean-up campaigns are also ongoing to eliminate potential mosquito habitats.
Health inspectors are conducting site inspections and can issue penalties to property owners where mosquito breeding occurs, as part of the enforcement of the Public Health Act Cap 111. Public awareness campaigns are crucial, and the Ministry emphasizes the importance of community action in managing the outbreak.
This alarming situation mirrors past outbreaks, where increased rainfall led to spikes in mosquito populations and subsequent Dengue fever cases. However, previous interventions have shown that timely community action—such as cleaning up environments to reduce breeding sites—can significantly mitigate outbreaks. The ongoing health campaigns and the active participation of the community create a hopeful outlook for controlling the present situation and safeguarding public health during this challenging period.
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