More dengue cases in last two weeks

Report: Rise in rainfall leads to more potential breeding grounds for Aedes mozzies

PETALING JAYA: Four dengue deaths were reported for the Sept 10 to 16 period while the number of dengue cases has increased in the last two weeks, the Health Ministry said.

There were 1,298 dengue cases reported, an increase of 75 cases (6.1%) compared with 1,223 the week before (Sept 3 to 9). A total of 1,171 cases were reported during the Aug 27 to Sept 2 period.

“This may be the result of a change in weather with the increase in rainfall, thus increasing the number of potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes,” according to the report on the Crisis Preparedness Response Centre Facebook yesterday.

However, cumulatively, a total of 68,204 dengue cases was reported from January to Sept 16, which is 14.4% (or 11,501 cases) lower than the 79,705 cases reported in the same period last year.

There was a cumulative figure of 153 deaths this year compared with 177 deaths during the same period last year, a 13.6% or 24 fewer deaths compared with the same period last year.

The centre said the local authorities had to ensure waste disposal was done effectively with a minimum of three times a week for gar- bage collection.

“The local authorities should also ensure there is no illegal rubbish dumping,” it said.

“Those staying in outbreak areas need to use repellents and wear bright-coloured, long-sleeved clothes that cover the limbs besides using aerosol spray indoors and installing nets on windows and grills.”

People can visit http://dengue. remotesensing.gov.my/ for more information on outbreak areas.

From Sept 10 to 16, the Health Ministry also received four Chikungunya cases, two of which were from Kelantan and one each from Kedah and Sarawak.

A total of 259 Chikungunya cases had been reported until Sept 16.

As for Zika, there were no cases from 1,367 blood samples and 30 urine samples taken from individuals suspected of having the disease.