Dengue cases up 34% this year, deaths rise nearly 79%

 Health ministry reports 42,848 dengue cases and 34 deaths nationwide this year.

The health ministry called on all parties to work together to ensure that their surroundings are free from Aedes mosquito breeding sites. (Pixabay pic)

PETALING JAYA:

Dengue cases in Malaysia have increased by 34.8% this year while deaths from the disease rose by 78.9%.

In a statement, the health ministry said a total of 42,848 dengue cases and 34 deaths were recorded nationwide as of July 9, compared with 31,790 cases and 19 deaths in the corresponding period last year.

Selangor, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya accounted for 63.5% of all reported cases.

Selangor recorded 19,313 cases, an increase of 43.2% compared with the same period last year, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded 7,909 cases, an increase of 83.8%.

The ministry said the rise was consistent with dengue’s cyclical pattern, where major outbreaks typically occur every three to five years in endemic countries.

It said it was strengthening surveillance, vector control and community efforts to curb transmission.

The ministry also urged the public to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding sites, carry out regular clean-ups and seek early treatment if they develop dengue symptoms. - FMT