PETALING JAYA: Dengue cases have risen by almost 19% in early September compared to late August, says the Health Ministry.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said 2,284 dengue cases were recorded from Sept 3 to Sept 9.
This marked an increase of 360 cases or 18.7% compared to 1,924 dengue cases recorded from Aug 27 to Sept 2.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said two deaths related to dengue complications were also recorded from Sept 3 to 9.
“Cumulatively, Malaysia recorded a 110.5% increase in the number of dengue cases as of Sept 9, 2023, with 82,485 cases.
“The same period in 2022 only saw 39,188 dengue cases recorded,” he said in a statement on Friday (Sept 15).
“59 dengue related deaths were recorded cumulatively as of Sept 9, 2023, compared to 24 deaths during the same period last year,” he added.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said there were currently 66 dengue hotspot localities nationwide as at Sept 9, marking a decrease from 83 localities in the previous week.
“Of the 66, Selangor had the highest number of dengue hotspots (at 47) followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (13), Kelantan (3) while Penang, Perak and Sabah had one each,” he said.
Three chikungunya cases were also recorded from Sept 3 to 9, Dr Muhammad Radzi said.
“Zika surveillance, meanwhile, showed that all 2,266 blood samples and 196 urine samples that were taken for Zika tests had negative results,” he said.
With the inter-monsoon period also setting in, Dr Muhammad Radzi advised the public to ensure no potential water storage containers were left outdoors.
“Hot weather is expected during the day while rains can be expected in the evening.
“Make sure potential water storage containers are not left outdoors. Keep water storage areas tightly shut and throw any unused items.
“Clean your outdoor pots, while those with pets should clean their animals' water containers consistently,” he said.
Dr Muhammad Radzi said the public should spend at least 10 minutes weekly to clear out potential Aedes breeding grounds in their house.
“Without Aedes, there is no dengue, chikungunya or Zika,” he said.
