Big drop in dengue cases and deaths, says health minister

The number of cases and deaths from dengue showed a reduction of 75% and 91% respectively from January until June 12, compared to figures in the same period last year.

Health Minister Dr Adham Baba said 12,188 dengue cases and eight fatalities were recorded compared to 45,584 cases and 84 fatalities in the same period last year.

“Although the country is still grappling with the Covid-19 pandemic, efforts in combating the dengue fever threat must continue as dengue is an endemic disease that has long been a burden to Malaysia’s public health system,” he said in a statement in conjunction with Asean Dengue Day today.

Adham said Asean Dengue Day, celebrated on June 15 each year since its declaration in 2011, aimed to establish an advocacy platform, including among the community, to continue efforts to eradicate dengue in a continuous and integrated manner.

He urged the people to spend at least 10 minutes cleaning their surroundings and destroying Aedes breeding grounds at their respective premises each week.

“During the movement control order period, as people spend more time at home, they must take this opportunity to ensure that their premises are free from Aedes breeding spots,” he said.

Adham said dengue prevention efforts had also been boosted through the involvement of Communication For Behavioural Impact (Combi) volunteers nationwide.

The Combi volunteers carry out promotional activities to eradicate dengue using new approaches such as through social media.

As of May 31, there was a total of 3,084 Combi teams involving 28,381 volunteers.