There have been a total of 38,933 cumulative cases of dengue fever reported to date in 2023, which is an increase of 185.2% over the same time period in 2022.
WHILE Malaysians remain vigilant against Covid-19, we have to remember to also protect ourselves against dengue.
People are now spending time outdoors and travelling around the country. However, with everyone out and about, dengue fever cases have risen dramatically this year.
This may be down to the wacky weather we’ve been experiencing, as increased temperatures and altered rainfall patterns create favourable conditions for the Aedes mosquito to breed.
Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as the floods experienced in Johor earlier this year, provide additional breeding grounds for the mosquitoes which only exacerbate the situation.
According to the Health Ministry’s latest statistics, as of the 18th epidemiological week (April 30- May 6) of 2023, a total of 1,956 dengue fever cases were recorded, as compared to the 1,775 cases reported in the previous week – which shows an increase of 181 cases or 10.2%.
The cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported to date is 38,933, which is an increase of 25,283 cases or 185.2% from the 13,650 cases reported over the same time period in 2022.
A total of 24 deaths from dengue fever complications have also been reported so far this year – 17 more than there were last year.
Dengue fever is a debilitating illness transmitted through the bite of an Aedes mosquito and presents a range of symptoms such as high fever, nausea, vomiting, body aches and rashes.
The illness can also result in a drop in your white blood cell and platelet counts.
The rise in cases can be worrying for many Malaysians as they aim to keep their families safe from the dangers of dengue fever.
Ways to keep Aedes at bay
However, there are a number of ways to keep Aedes mosquitoes at bay and protect your loved ones from contracting the illness.
One such method is to eliminate the mosquito breeding sites by maintaining clean and tidy surroundings.
Maintaining cleanliness in and around your home can play a crucial role in preventing mosquito breeding, as even a small amount of water is enough for the Aedes to breed.
You can do this by regularly inspecting your surroundings to ensure there is no water accumulation and by emptying or covering any items that can collect water, such as flowerpots, discarded tyres and empty containers.
You can frequently clean gutters and drains to ensure proper water flow and prevent stagnation, and dispose of garbage properly in sealed containers to avoid attracting mosquitoes.
Another way you can protect yourself and your family from contracting dengue fever is to practise proper personal protection.
To reduce the risk of mosquito bites, you can make use of mosquito nets while sleeping and install mosquito screens on doors and windows to prevent the insects from entering your home.
Alternatively, you can apply mosquito repellents during dawn and dusk when mosquitoes are most active or make use of aerosol sprays. It is highly recommended to use the No.1 pesticide brand in Malaysia*, that is the Red & Black.
The ‘Red & Black’ brand - the No. 1 choice
The Red & Black aerosol spray is designed with an improved formula to kill mosquitoes effectively – specifically for Culex and Aedes mosquitoes.
The aerosol spray can is also fitted with a double nozzle, to ensure a wider spray coverage – which means that you’ll be able to get into all the tight nooks and crannies, or hidden areas, where pests like mosquitoes may be lurking.
You can then enjoy your family moments at home, without having mosquitoes buzzing about, as you’ll be able to prevent them from finding shelter in your home.
Make spraying using Red & Black a habit in your household and stay protected. To get your own Red & Black aerosol spray, click here
*No.1 brand in the insecticide category in Malaysia. S.C.Johnson Asia Pacific numbers, based on data reported by NielsenIQ via Retail Index Service for the Insecticides category for the 52 weeks ending Dec 31,2022, for the whole of Malaysia (Copyright 2022, NielsenlQ)
