Just between January and 20th July 2019, as many as 72,356 dengue cases have been reported nationwide, compared to 38,190 cases during the same period in 2018. This means that Malaysia has seen a drastic increase in dengue cases this year, with a 89.5 per cent increase.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad also revealed that death rates due to dengue rose from 61 cases in 2018 to 108 cases in 2019, indicating a 77 per cent rise in dengue-related deaths. He was quoted by Bernama as saying,
“This year, the increase in dengue cases began in May this year.”
Source: Frontiers
The Health Minister added that Selangor had the highest number of dengue cases with 40,849 recorded cases, while Federal Territories Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya had 8,794 cases. Meanwhile, Johor had 6,057 cases.
Earlier this year, just three weeks into 2019, Klang already had 960 dengue cases. The same time last year, the number of dengue cases was just at 203!
Klang MP Charles Santiago stated earlier this year,
“I strongly urge the public to pay serious attention to this matter. Sometimes they think their homes are clean, but they forget about the clogged drains and water trapped in containers which are breeding grounds for the Aedes mosquitoes.”
Source: Free Malaysia Today
“It’s the lack of concern among the public that contributes to the increased dengue incidence.”
So, be sure to take extra measures to prevent mosquitos from breeding in your neighbourhood!
Also read: MOH Warns How Dengue Cases Are Rising Due to Different Strains of Virus Detected
