06-08-2025
Dengue outbreak hits Bintulu with 61 cases recorded in key localities
BINTULU (Aug 6): The Bintulu Divisional Health Office has raised the alarm over the rising number of dengue fever cases reported across several localities here, with a total of 61 cases recorded as of Aug 5, this year.
Bintulu Divisional Health officer Dr Melvin Chung said the outbreak has affected three major areas.
He said that Kampung Baru—including Kampung Baru Tengah, Kampung Baru Laut, and Kampung Baru Darat—has so far recorded 52 cases, followed by Kampung Sinong with seven cases and Pasar Lama Bintulu with two cases.
Dr Chung warned that the increasing trend is worrying and must be taken seriously by the public.
'Dengue is not just a health issue; it is a community issue. The rise in cases reflects a need for stronger collective action. Everyone has a role to play in destroying mosquito breeding grounds,' he stressed.
He reiterated that prevention starts at home and called for urgent public cooperation in the fight against the Aedes mosquito, the carrier of the dengue virus.
Among the preventive measures residents can implement, he said, are properly disposing of items that can collect stagnant water, such as empty tins, old tyres, plastic containers, and polystyrene waste.
He added that residents must also wash and change water in open containers weekly, inlcuding flower pots, dish trays, pet water bowls, buckets, water tanks, and refrigerator drip trays.
Residents, he said, should clear overgrown bushes that could serve as mosquito breeding areas and use aerosol sprays and mosquito coils, especially during early mornings and evenings.
In the meantime, residents are advised to wear long-sleeved clothing and long pants when outdoors.
Most importantly, Dr Chung urged residents to participate in community clean-up campaigns to maintain a safe living environment.
'I urge residents to fully cooperate with public health personnel conducting fogging operations, home inspections, and dengue case detection activities,' he said.
He advised those experiencing symptoms such as high fever, headache, pain behind the eyes, joint pain, or skin rashes to seek immediate treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital to prevent severe complications.
The Bintulu Divisional Health Office will continue to monitor the situation closely and carry out intensified control measures in all affected areas.
