Number of dengue cases set to hit all-time high - Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s total number of dengue cases this year looks set to be the highest ever recorded.

Sunday, 01 Dec 2019

By LOH FOON FONG and Razak Ahmad

Despite the countless measures taken to control the spread of the Aedes mosquito, there have been 119,198 infections recorded as of Friday.

This works out to about 359 new cases each day.

Going by that rate, it is imminent that the number will surpass the “record” in 2015, which stood at 120,836 cases.

The latest numbers were shown on the iDengue website, which is run by the Health Ministry in collaboration with the National Space Agency.

Among others, the website provides information on hot spots, preventive measures and contact numbers of operation rooms in every state.

The website can be accessed at http://idengue.arsm.gov.my/

It also listed nine plants that could rid the mosquitoes that included bunga tahi ayam (lantana camara), serai wangi (cymbopogan nardus) and aloe vera/lidah buaya (aloe barbadensis miller).

Lantana camara is a species of flowering plant within the verbena family. Other common names of L. camara include big-sage, wild-sage, red-sage, white-sage, tickberry, West Indian lantana, and umbelanterna. Habitat. Mainly a weed of plantation crops and pastures and TOXIC TO LIVESTOCK.

Known Hazards

The leaves and seeds are toxic[

310

].
The unripe, green berries cause vomiting, diarrhoea, dilated pupils and laboured respiration if ingested[

293

].
The leaves may cause dermatitis

Cymbopogon nardus, common name citronella grass (or lemon grass), is a perennial aromatic plant from the family Poaceae, originating in tropical Asia. It is the source of an essential oil known as "citronella oil". Cannot be eaten because of its unpalatable nature. Wikipedia



A comprehensive list of signs of dengue fever is also provided.



“There is no specific treatment for dengue or severe dengue but early detection and prompt medical care will save lives,” Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah was reported to have said.

The iDengue website, which is updated daily, noted that there had been 162 deaths so far this year.

The number has surpassed the number of fatalities recorded the whole of last year at 147 deaths.

However, the number is still a marked improvement compared to the 336 deaths recorded in 2015.

In August, Deputy Health Minister Lee Boon Chye cautioned that dengue fever cases could hit 150,000 cases by year-end if they are not contained.

He said the ministry was using various methods to overcome the dengue outbreak, such as fogging and removing mosquito breeding sites.

https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2019/12/01/number-of-dengue-cases-set-to-hit-all-time-high

Natural Ways to Repel Mosquitoes and Ticks

 

This year, most parts of the US have had a mild winter, and that means an early start to mosquito and tick season. For protection, about one-third of Americans rely each year on the chemical N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide, better known as DEET. But prior to the late 1950s, when DEET was introduced to the public, we mostly used natural bug-fighting methods. For example, when my dad went fishing, his bug-protecting gear included a thin canvas hat with a mosquito netting “veil” and a drawstring collar. Even though the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists DEET as “safe” and the most effective insect repellent on the market, many people don’t want to use it because of lingering concerns about toxicity.

It may sound old-fashioned, but the safest and most effective natural way to avoid both mosquitoes and ticks is to use protective netting and wear hats (such as my dad’s) and light-colored, long-sleeve shirts and pants. For tick protection, most people know what to do but sometimes fail to follow the precautions—do a daily skin and hair check (inspect parts of the body with hair very carefully—ticks tend to bite those areas most often)…keep pets off your furniture and bedding…and avoid brushy areas and paths surrounded by high grass or weeds (these are ideal hiding grounds for ticks). If you must spend time in tick-infested areas: It may be necessary to use DEET for maximum protection in high tick season (spring and early summer). If so, I suggest applying the repellent on your clothing (read the label for fabrics DEET can damage) rather than directly on your skin. Do the application while you are outside in open air, and use the lowest possible dose. Natural options to repel mosquitoes…

Oil of lemon eucalyptus. CDC scientists consider this plant-derived compound to be as effective as low-concentration DEET for repelling mosquitoes. Studies show that the compound can work for up to four hours, depending on several factors including how much the wearer perspires. Commonly called “lemon eucalyptus,” the repellent is readily available in sprays and lotions (follow label instructions) in stores and online.

Wind. Mosquitoes fly poorly in moving air. Especially during the height of mosquito season (spring and early summer), use a fan on your patio, balcony or any other area where you may be spending time. You can also plan outdoor dining and activities for areas with natural breezes.

Citronella. An essential oil derived from the Cymbopogon plant, citronella is an effective insect repellent that has been in use in the US since the 1940s. Citronella is available in sprays and lotions but must be reapplied at least every 60 minutes. Citronella candles also are available.

Smoke and strong scents. Mosquitoes are repelled by smoke and strong scents such as those from garlic, onion, marigold, oregano and scented geraniums. Anecdotal evidence suggests that eating garlic helps repel mosquitoes. Better: Light candles, such as those with citronella, during an outdoor event, and consider surrounding your deck, patio or other outdoor space with strongly scented plants.

Source: Jamison Starbuck, ND, is a naturopathic physician in family practice and a guest lecturer at the University of Montana, both in Missoula. She is past president of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians and a contributing editor to The Alternative Advisor: The Complete Guide to Natural Therapies and Alternative Treatments (Time Life).

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Bottom Line Health

Original publication date

May 1, 2012

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http://bottomlinepublications.com/content/article/health-a-healing/natural-ways-to-repel-mosquitoes-and-ticks