The rise in the number of dengue fever cases this year has been massive, reports the Health Ministry: there has been a 248% increase in the number of dengue cases, with a 228% increase in the number of deaths.
“The total number of reported dengue cases throughout the country this year rose to 42,229 cases compared to 12,143 for the same period last year,” said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam.
As of June 21, 82 people have died of dengue nationwide, a sharp increase over the 25 who died in the same period last year.
Dr Subramaniam said that 2,021 cases were reported in the week from June 15 to June 21 alone, a 12.5% increase from the 1,797 cases reported in the week previous.
From June 15 to June 21, four dengue-related deaths were reported, including that of a five-year old boy in Sleangor.
“All cases were given treatment before they died due to dengue-related complications,” The Star Online reports him as saying.
Previously, Dr Subramaniam had said the number of dengue cases were higher this year bcause of the change in the dominant dengue virus serotype circulating in the country.
Four serotypes are always in circulation (DEN-1, DEN-2, DEN-3, and DEN-4), but the dominant serotype can change from time to time. DEN-2 has been found to be the prevalent serotype here since the middle of last year.
He encouraged the public to use repellents or to cover up to minimise chances of being bitten by the Aedes, which typically feeds in the mornings or dusk.
