“Malaysia Sees Decline in Dengue Cases Amid Concerns of Rising Trend in 2024”

During the 6th Epidemiological Week Dengue (EW06) from February 4-10, the number of reported dengue cases in Malaysia declined to 3,631, compared to the previous week’s 3,969 cases. Unfortunately, one death was reported due to complications from dengue fever. The cumulative dengue cases for the year reached 22,058, significantly higher than the 13,094 cases recorded during the same period last year.

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Dengue

Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan, the Health director-general, disclosed that ten deaths were attributed to complications from dengue fever, surpassing the nine fatalities reported during the corresponding period in the previous year. The number of reported dengue hotspots increased to 199 localities during EW06, compared to 180 in the previous week. Among these, 158 were located in Selangor, 18 in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, with Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Penang, Kedah, Pahang, Johor, and Sabah each having varying numbers.

Dr Muhammad Radzi also provided an update on chikungunya surveillance, noting that no cases were recorded during ME06, keeping the cumulative figure for the year at three cases. He highlighted that, based on the trend observed over the past decade,  fever cases typically peak every four or five years, with the current increase starting in 2023 and expected to continue in 2024.

The health director-general attributed the rise in  fever cases to unpredictable weather changes and increased public movement, particularly during festive seasons, weekends, and school holidays. These factors contribute to the conducive environment for the proliferation of Aedes mosquitoes, responsible for transmitting the  virus.

Efforts to control and prevent the spread of  fever include ongoing surveillance, public awareness campaigns, and community engagement. The health authorities emphasize the importance of individual and community efforts in eliminating mosquito breeding sites and adopting preventive measures to curb the dengue epidemic. As the country braces for a potential increase in dengue cases throughout the year, vigilance, early detection, and prompt medical attention remain crucial in managing the situation.