Dengue Cases Surge 34.8 Per Cent, 34 Deaths Recorded As Of Yesterday
KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 42,848 dengue fever cases have been reported nationwide as of yesterday, an increase of 34.8 per cent compared to 31,790 cases for the same period last year.
In fact, at least 34 deaths have been recorded, an increase of nearly 79 per cent compared to 19 deaths last year.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) in a statement informed that the increase in cases has been detected in several areas, with Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya continuing to be the focal locations for the spread of the disease.
According to MOH, epidemiological analysis shows that nearly two-thirds or 63.5 per cent of all dengue fever cases in Malaysia are concentrated in these two areas.
“Selangor recorded 19,313 cases, an increase of 43.2 per cent compared to the same period last year, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded 7,909 cases, an increase of 83.8 per cent.
“In addition, increases in cases were also recorded in Johor, Sabah, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Sarawak, Perlis, Terengganu and the Federal Territory of Labuan,” according to the statement.
MOH said the situation shows that the Klang Valley remains the main area for dengue transmission and requires the implementation of more intensive and integrated control measures.
According to the ministry, although several states recorded a decrease in cases compared to the same period last year, all states cannot take the matter lightly because the dengue situation can change rapidly depending on epidemiological, environmental and weather factors.
MOH explained that the current increase in cases is in line with the epidemiological pattern of the disease, which is typically cyclical, with most endemic countries facing an increase in cases or major outbreaks every three to five years.
It said among the factors contributing to this periodic increase are changes in population immunity levels, shifts in the dominance of dengue virus serotypes, weather conditions such as rainfall, temperature and humidity that promote aedes mosquito breeding.
In addition, rapid urbanisation, population movement, environmental conditions, the presence of water storage containers, as well as the effectiveness of vector control activities and community involvement also influence the spread of the disease.
Accordingly, MOH will continue to strengthen dengue prevention and control efforts through a ‘whole-of-nation’ approach based on the principles of Integrated Vector Management.
This approach encompasses strengthening disease and entomological surveillance, early detection of case increases and outbreaks, vector control, risk communication, community empowerment, legal enforcement and continuous monitoring of intervention effectiveness.
MOH also urged all parties including the community, local authorities, government agencies, educational institutions, employers, the private sector and the public to work together to ensure the environment is free from aedes mosquito breeding sites, to carry out gotong-royong activities regularly and to seek early medical examination if experiencing dengue symptoms.
It added that close monitoring of the current situation will continue to reduce disease transmission, prevent complications and deaths, and protect public health.
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