Dili has reported 9 cases of dengue last month with one patient in serious condition, according to the health ministry.

Amid on-going spread of dengue cases in the national capital, the health leaders from Dili municipality on Wednesday appealed to the citizens to take all preventative measures to check mosquito-borne diseases like Dengue as they kicked off their community awareness campaign.

Health chiefs from Comoro and Dom Alexio - administrative posts most affected by the virus - urged their local communities to support prevention of mosquito breeding in and around their houses and workplaces.

Moreover, health officials have been directed to go door-to-door in their respective areas to raise awareness and encourage people to follow the recommendations to protect their families from dengue.

 The campaign also encourages people to reduce places where mosquitos can breed; cleaning up waste and ensuring water does not accumulate in and around the house.

As of May 15, 3,313 dengue fever cases have been reported in Dili municipality. Over a similar period in 2021, roughly 672 cases were reported. Dom Alexio administrative post remains the most affected, accounting for 1,980 of the total case count followed by Cristo Rei (499 cases).

Dengue is the world’s fastest-spreading mosquito-borne disease. It causes flu-like symptoms and a severe form of it can result in internal bleeding. There is no specific treatment and no vaccine available yet although one is being trialed.

Dengue infections around the world have increased dramatically in recent decades and many countries are seeing a surge in cases this year. The World Health Organization (WHO) this year named dengue one of the top 10 global public health threats.