Kuantan, the capital of Pahang, has seen a worrying increase in dengue-related deaths this year, with five fatalities recorded compared to just one last year. This 400% increase has made Pahang the second-highest state in terms of dengue-related deaths in the country.
According to Datuk Ir. Razali Kassim, the Chairman of the State Works, Transport, and Health Committee, the spike in deaths is primarily due to the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in various locations, both inside and outside of homes, playgrounds, vegetable gardens, and other areas. He emphasized that the negligence of certain individuals in maintaining cleanliness is a significant factor contributing to the spread of dengue.
Speaking at a press conference after the release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes in Taman Pasdec Makmur Indera Mahkota 2, Razali Kassim stressed the importance of preventing such incidents to protect both individuals and the local community.
Meanwhile, Datuk Dr. Rusdi Abdul Rahman, the Director of Health in Pahang, revealed that all the victims were aged between 40 and 50, with one fatality each reported in Bentong, Bera, Kuantan, Raub, and Rompin. Investigations have shown that delayed medical treatment is another significant factor contributing to these deaths.
Dr. Rusdi urged individuals experiencing high fever, especially above 38 degrees Celsius, to seek medical attention promptly at either government clinics or private healthcare facilities for proper diagnosis and treatment. He highlighted the importance of returning to the same healthcare facility for follow-up care to ensure continuity in treatment.
In cases where patients do not show improvement despite initial treatment, Dr. Rusdi advised seeking further medical attention and, if necessary, hospitalization for closer monitoring and care.
The alarming increase in dengue-related deaths in Pahang serves as a stark reminder of the importance of maintaining cleanliness and seeking timely medical intervention. By raising awareness about the risks associated with dengue and emphasizing the need for proactive measures, we can work towards reducing the incidence of dengue cases and preventing further loss of lives in the community.