Johor dengue cases surge 84pct, JB and Kulai worst hit

 

Dengue cases in Johor have surged by 84.1 per cent this year, with infections rising from 3,930 cases recorded during the same period last year to 7,235. - File pic

JOHOR BARU: Dengue cases in Johor have surged by 84.1 per cent this year, with infections rising from 3,930 cases recorded during the same period last year to 7,235.

State Health and Environment Committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said the sharp increase was driven by several factors, including unpredictable weather patterns and changes in circulating dengue virus serotypes.

"The increase is partly due to unstable weather conditions as well as changes in the dengue virus serotypes," he said after chairing a coordination meeting involving the state Health Department, district health offices, local authorities and relevant agencies yesterday.

Ling said the situation was particularly worrying as almost 90 per cent of the state's dengue cases were concentrated in Johor Baru and Kulai, making the two districts the primary focus of enforcement and prevention efforts.

To curb further transmission, he said 96 community clean-up programmes would be implemented in Johor Baru and Kulai beginning mid-August.

The programmes will focus on eliminating Aedes mosquito breeding sites while raising public awareness on dengue prevention.

Ling said close cooperation between health authorities, local councils and enforcement agencies was crucial to ensure immediate and coordinated action against the spread of the disease.

He also urged the public to play an active role by ensuring their homes and surrounding areas remain clean and free of stagnant water, where Aedes mosquitoes breed.

"Prevention begins with all of us. Community participation is essential in breaking the chain of dengue transmission," he said. - NST