Dengue fever cases increase in Brunei due to rainy season

BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Xinhua) - The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reminded the public to be wary of mosquito-borne diseases, especially during the current rainy season, as dengue fever cases have tended to rise in Brunei.

 The Moh, in a statement released on Sunday, said that in 2012, a total of 290 cases of dengue fever were recorded while for this year, a total of 349 cases have been reported up to Oct. 12.

Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases that can infect humans such as dengue fever, malaria, chikungunya, filiriasis and Japanese encephalitis, the MoH said.

A similar increase has been reported in other countries in this region and it was found to be associated with a higher volume of rainfall that caused increasing occurrence of water stagnation where mosquitoes breed rapidly.

The public are advised to take on a number of preventative measures, including wiping out mosquito breeding sites and seeking medical treatment when showing any listed symptoms.

Mosquitoes are known to breed in pools of water in places such as flower vases, clogged drains, plastic bottles and used tires, among others.

Most of the dengue fever cases in Brunei Darussalam were reported in the Brunei-Muara District, with only a small number in the other districts.