JOHOR BARU: Johor recorded a 496% increase in dengue cases during the 15th epidemiological week (ME15) (April 10-15) this year, with 2,229 cases reported compared to 34 cases in the same period last year.
Johor health and unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said that of the 2,229 cases, 784 were in epidemic localities and 1,445 were in non-epidemic localities.
“We have also recorded 156 cases of dengue fever in ME15, a drop of 6% compared to the ME14 (April 3-8) with 166 cases.
“No deaths were recorded in ME15; two deaths have been recorded from January to ME15 this year compared to zero deaths in the same period last year,” he said in a statement here on Monday (April 17).
With the upcoming Hari Raya Aidilfitri celebration, Ling said that members of the public should play a proactive role in making sure that their houses are free from any stagnant water before leaving.
In cases of influenza-like illness (ILI), Ling said that a 10.6% increase in cases of respiratory infections was recorded in ME15 from the previous ME14, with a total of seven clusters reported involving 134 cases.
“4,355 cases were recorded in ME15, compared to 3,938 cases in ME14.
“From the seven clusters reported this year, six clusters occurred in higher education institutions while one cluster occurred in hospitals; three of the clusters are new cases that occurred in higher education institutes,” he said.
In general, cases of ILI and upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) are common in the country, and the situation is under control and closely monitored by the Johor Health Department, he added.
Members of the public are also urged to reduce their outdoor activities following cases of air pollution in areas such as Segamat, said Ling.
On cases of Covid-19 in the state, Ling added that there is no sudden spike in cases and the bed occupancy rate in the state is still under 5.0%.
“A total of 353 cases were reported in ME15, with 200 cases from Johor Baru, Muar (33 cases), Kulai (28 cases), Batu Pahat (23 cases), Kluang (22 cases), Kota Tinggi (20 cases), Tangkak (14 cases), Pontian (11 cases), and Segamat (2 cases),” he said.
