THE number of dengue cases increased by 7.7% to 2,808 in the 24th Epidemiological Week (ME24) from June 11 to 17 against 2,608 reported in the previous week.

Health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan in a statement today said two deaths due to complications from dengue fever were also reported in ME24.

He said the cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported up to ME24 increased by 149.6% to 54,139 cases against 21,688 for the same period last year.

“A total of 39 deaths due to dengue fever complications were reported compared with 15 for the same period in 2022,” he said.

Radzi said the number of dengue fever hotspots in ME24 increased to 110 against 95 in the earlier week.

There are 84 hotspots in Selangor, 14 in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, four each in Kedah and Penang, three in Sabah and one in Perlis.

Regarding surveillance for chikungunya, Radzi said two cases were recorded in ME24 and the cumulative number of cases to date is 137.

He said for Zika surveillance, a total of 1,381 blood samples and 69 urine samples were screened for Zika and the results were all negative.

“Monitoring at the National Dengue Operation Room found that the number of dengue fever cases is high and has the potential to continue to increase if no preventive measures are taken by all parties, including the community.

“As a proactive measure, check every container inside and outside the house and make sure there is no water reservoir for Aedes mosquitoes to breed,” he said. – Bernama, June 27, 2023.