Dengue cases up 12.5% from previous week

The number of dengue cases reported during the 38th epidemiological week (ME) from Sept 18 to 24 increased by 12.5% to 1,533 cases, compared to 1,363 the previous week. 

This brings the total number of dengue cases reported so far this year to 12,942, compared to 19,423 cases in the corresponding period last year.

Health director-general Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the number of deaths due to dengue complications also increased to 24 cases compared to 13 in the corresponding period last year.

"The number of hotspots also increased in the ME 38, to 48 compared to 42 in the previous week. 

"A total of 28 hotspots are in Selangor, followed by Sabah (15), Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (five)," he said in a statement today.

Meanwhile, Noor Hisham said that Chikungunya surveillance recorded eight cases in ME 38 with three cases in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, two cases each in Selangor and Penang and one case in Kelantan, bringing the cumulative number of Chikungunya cases so far to 646.
 
For Zika surveillance, a total of 1,452 blood samples and 15 urine samples were tested, the results of which were all negative.

Noor Hisham said the current hot and rainy weather provided the ideal conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.

He said preventive measures like keeping the surroundings clean and litter-free should be undertaken by everyone.

"Aedes mosquitoes only need a little water to lay their eggs, which can survive for eight months in dry conditions," he added.