Slight spike in dengue cases with ease of restrictions

DENGUE cases in Selangor increased slightly after restrictions imposed in the earlier phases of the movement control order (MCO) were eased.

Selangor health, welfare, women empowerment and family committee chairman Dr Siti Mariah Mahmud said the weekly trend of dengue cases pointed to an increase.

“One week before July 11, there were 876 cases from nine districts but a week later, it went up to 895 cases, a 2.2% increase.

“From January to July 11, Selangor recorded 31,902 dengue cases compared to the corresponding period last year where there were 39,120.

“Although overall, there was a drop, our officers believe people being out and about could have triggered the recent spike,”

Dr Siti said this in response to Michelle Ng (DAP - Subang Jaya) who asked on the dengue situation in Selangor.

She added that last week, one dengue death was recorded, bringing the total fatalities to 31 until July 11, compared to 34 in the same period last year.

“Last year Selangor recorded 72,543 dengue cases with 56 deaths, 25 in the Petaling district, 19 in Hulu Langat and five in Gombak,” she said.

Dr Siti added that another factor for the recent rise in dengue cases could be the weather with intermittent rain and hot spells.

She said the MCO indirectly had a positive impact on dengue cases in Selangor.