Alarming increase in dengue cases — Dr Lee
SIBU: Malaysia has recorded 150 per cent increase in the number of dengue cases this year compared to the same period last year, according to Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.
The cumulative cases reported as of March 17 were 31,901 against 12,575 cases during the same period last year.
The states with high numbers of dengue cases are Selangor (18,626), Federal Territory of Kuala Lumpur ( KL)/ Putrajaya ( 2,790), Johor ( 2,612) and Penang (1,936).
Dr Lee said the number of cases in Sarawak this year is considered small although the number had jumped from 117 cases last year to 377 this year.
According to him, there were 57 fatalities due to dengue in the country so far this year.
From the 57 deaths, Selangor recorded 18, Sabah (nine), Penang and Johor with seven each, Pahang (four), Negeri Sembilan and Melaka with three each, Kelantan and Perak with two each and Kedah, Federal Territory of KL and Putrajaya recorded one each.
During the same period last year, 28 fatalities were reported nationwide.
According to Dr Lee, no deaths were reported for Sarawak, Perlis, Terengganu and Federal Territory of Labuan.
During the whole of last year, 80,615 dengue cases with 147 deaths were recorded nationwide.
Giving his advice, Dr Lee said: “Clear potential breeding sources like bottles, tyres, flower pots, plastic bags in the gardens, cans, and clogged drains.
“For flower pots or flasks, add larvicidal medicine to kill larva once in two weeks or change the water every week.”
He emphasised the need to prevent mosquito bites especially when neighbours had confi rmed dengue cases.
“Mosquitoes like to bite inside as well as around homes, during the day and at night when the lights are on. To protect yourself, use repellent on your skin.
“If possible, wear long sleeves and pants. Also, make sure window and door screens are secure and without holes. If someone in your house is ill with dengue, take extra precautions,” he said.