PETALING JAYA: Dengue cases in the country have increased in the first five weeks of this year over the same period last year, according to the Health Ministry.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said 18,427 cases were recorded in this period, against 11,127 last year – an increase of 7,300 or 65%.
Nine deaths were reported, up from six last year, he added in a statement on Wednesday (Feb 7).
Health authorities have detected 180 hotspots nationwide, with 143 in Selangor, 20 in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, seven in Negri Sembilan, four in Perak, three in Penang, and one each in Pahang, Sabah and Sarawak.
“During the fifth week of this year, 3,969 cases were recorded compared to 3,781 the previous week. No deaths were reported during the fifth week.
"One case of chikungunya was recorded during the fifth week, bringing the cumulative cases this year to three. No chikungunya outbreaks were reported,” he said.
He urged the public to take steps to prevent Aedes mosquito breeding for the upcoming festive season and school holidays.
“Before leaving home, make sure there are no containers that can hold water in the house, close all containers that store water tightly and use insecticide.
“Take self-prevention measures especially if you are in a (high-)risk area by wearing light-coloured clothes, using mosquito repellent and covering exposed limbs, especially when you are outside during the peak periods for Aedes mosquito feeding, from 5am to 8am and 5pm to 8pm.
“Upon entering your home after returning from vacation, spray insecticide all over to kill adult mosquitoes that are hiding,” he added.
