MALACCA, MALAYSIA: Drastic measures are being taken by the authorities here to stem the rise in suspected dengue and Chikungunya cases that have hit several areas in the heart of the city's old quarter.
Among the measures is providing over 1,000 ikan sepat (gourami) to some 300 homeowners living in the largely 18th century homes within the state?s Unesco World Heritage Site core zone.
State Public Works and Utilities Committee chairman Gan Tian Loo said there had been recent reports of more than 30 suspected Chikungunya cases along Jalan Kampung Kuli, Jalan Temenggong, Lorong Hang Jebat, Kota Laksamana, Kampung Lapan and Bandar Hilir.
?Most of these dwellings have wells and use large antique ceramic basins as ornamental pots for their plants, including water lilies, which may breed mosquitoes,? he said here yesterday.
Gan, who followed health officers on their fogging and spraying operations along Jalan Kuli, said the local council authorities had ordered property owners of unkempt vacant houses in the area to clean up or face action.
?We will issue them with notices and if they fail to respond within the specified period, then council officers will have the right to go unto their property to clean up the place,? he said, adding that the property owners would have to bear the costs.
The Aedes mosquito is also responsible for the non-fatal Chikungunya disease, which causes fever, rash and acute joint pains.
Two months ago, over 200 suspected Chikungunya cases were reported in several areas in Jasin district bordering Muar, Johor.
State Women?s Affairs, Family Development and Health committee chairman Norpipah Abdol said health officers would double their efforts to check the rise in dengue and Chikungunya cases.
She appealed to people to keep their premises clean and free of potential mosquito breeding sites.
