Padang (ANTARA News) - WHO Director General Dr Margaret Chan reminded quake victims in West Sumatra to sprinkle salt on collapsed houses and buildings because such places provide good breeding locations for mosquitos.

The WHO director general made the statement when having a dialogue with West Sumatra deputy governor Marlis Rahman and regents/mayors of areas ravaged by the September 30, 2009, strong quake, at the governor`s office on Thursday afternoon.

She said the rainy season has started so that the damaged building materials may collect rainwater in which mosquitos will lay their eggs.

The mosquitos may cause and spread dengue fever which may attack human beings, and preventive measures therefore need to be taken.

In the meantime, Director General for Public Health Development at the Ministry of Health Budi Hardja said medical personnel need to pay special attention to infectious diseases in the residential areas of quake victims.(*)