KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 25 — The number of dengue fever cases decreased by 2.2 per cent to 2,487 cases in the 32nd epidemiological week (ME32) (August 6 to 12) compared with 2,542 cases the previous week.
Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said four deaths due to dengue fever complications were recorded in ME32.
He said the number of dengue fever cases recorded so far stands at 73,680 compared with 33,911 in the corresponding period last year, an increase of 39,769 cases, or 117.3 per cent.
“A total of 53 fatalities due to dengue fever complications were reported compared to 22 deaths for the same period last year, an increase of 31 deaths or 140.9 per cent,” he said in a statement here today.
Dr Radzi said 73 dengue hotspots were reported in ME32, down from 86 the previous week, with 57 in Selangor, 12 in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, two in Sabah and one each in Negeri Sembilan and Kedah.
On chikungunya surveillance, Dr Radzi said five cases were recorded in ME32, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 152.
As for zika surveillance, 1,932 blood samples and 141 urine samples were screened and the results were all negative.
He advised the public to destroy Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.
“Mosquito eggs can survive in dry conditions for up to eight months and can hatch again if there is a water source, so water containers must be cleaned regularly,” he said.
— Bernama
