Bukit Gambir residents join hands for clean-up to beat dengue
The high-rise residential property located in Gelugor became Penang's sole hotspot after recording 17 dengue cases in just a month.
The clean-up effort saw some 30 residents taking part to clear the apartment grounds, flushing drains, trimming overgrown trees as well as removing dead stumps and bulk waste, with assistance from the Penang Island City Council (MBPP).
Hu hopes increased awareness among residents will help contain and halt the spread of dengue.Its joint management body (JMB) chairman Alan Hu said the 17 dengue cases were recorded within the past 30 days, all involving residents of the apartment complex.
'There are about 2,000 residents living in 496 units across seven blocks,' he said, while describing the outbreak as 'alarming'.
'We are also surrounded by four factories and two ongoing condominium projects.
'Rain, overgrown trees and stagnant water at the construction sites create the perfect breeding grounds for mosquitoes.'
Hu expressed hope that the gotong-royong and increased awareness among residents would help contain and halt the spread of dengue here in Taman Jade View.
Hu added that two residents tested positive for dengue through rapid tests conducted on 61 individuals recently.
Health department officers also set up booths during the clean-up to educate residents on dengue prevention.
One of the key messages shared was that the Aedes mosquito, which spreads dengue, can complete its life cycle in just a week under ideal conditions, while its eggs can remain dormant and active for up to six months in dry environments.
MBPP councillor Chan Soon Aun said while the city council would increase surveillance and work with health authorities to destroy mosquito breeding spots, another concern was the irresponsible feeding of stray dogs in the area.
'We found food waste and containers left along the roads behind the neighbourhood.
'These containers collect stagnant water and become mosquito breeding sites, while the strays have been multiplying.
'We estimate there are at least 50 stray dogs roaming this area and scavenging for food,' he said.
Penang youth, sports and health committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said as of June 28, dengue cases in the state had dropped by 62% compared to the same corresponding period last year.
'A total of 1,025 dengue cases have been recorded this year, down from 2,685 cases during the same period last year.
'At the moment, Taman Jade View is the only dengue hotspot in Penang, and health authorities are keeping a close watch,' he said.
Gooi also noted a slight decline in Covid-19 cases during the 26th epidemiological week from June 22 to 28.
A total of 240 cases were reported in Penang, compared to 243 cases the previous week.
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