PEOPLE'S APATHY, LACK OF COOPERATION CITED FOR RISE IN DENGUE CASES

KUALA LUMPUR, July 17 (Bernama) -- The people's apathy and lack of
cooperation have been cited as the reasons for a rise in the breeding of the
Aedes mosquito, carrier of the dengue virus, in the Federal Territory of Kuala
Lumpur and Selangor.

Kuala Lumpur Health Department director Dr Ismail Abu Taat said the highest
incidence of breeding was detected in Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, where 17 people
contracted dengue last month.

"The area of the Desa Tasik Phase 1 flats had the most number of reports on
dengue fever," he told Bernama after the launch of the Let's Destroy the Aedes
programme.

Dr Ismail said the primary breeding source of the Aedes mosquito was the
stagnant water of blocked drains and rubbish discarded by the stalls around the
flats.

"Many of the stalls there belong to the residents. They should exercise
collective responsibility (to clean up the area)," he said.

Dr Ismail said the department also had to put up with residents who did not
cooperate in anti-dengue operations.

"Whenever we carry out fogging, there are residents who will close the doors
and windows of their houses and render the fogging ineffective," he said.

He said he hoped that the campaign, with celebrity Aznil
Nawawi as the icon, would help kindle the people's interest to help check the
breeding of the Aedes mosquito.

-- BERNAMA