THE number of dengue cases in the fourth epidemiological week of this year (January 22-28) dropped by 17.6% to 1,910 cases from 2,319 cases the previous week, with one fatality recorded. 

Health Director-General Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the cumulative number of dengue fever cases reported this year is 8,968 cases, compared with 2,948 during the same period last year, and that this is an increase of 204.2% (6,020 cases).

“Four deaths due to dengue fever complications have been reported so far, compared with no fatalities in the same period of 2022,” he said in a statement today. 

Dr Noor Hisham said 79 hotspot localities were reported in the epidemiological week compared with 80 the week before, with 51 of them located in Selangor, 14 in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, 12 in Sabah, and two in Penang. 

As for chikungunya, Dr Noor Hisham said five cases were recorded in the fourth epidemiological week, with three cases in Penang and one each in Kedah and Selangor, bringing its toll to 52 cases. 

On zika surveillance, he said 169 blood samples and one urine sample were screened, all with negative results. 

On religious and cultural celebrations ahead, Dr Noor Hisham reminded the public to manage all facilities and paraphernalia used so they do not become Aedes mosquito breeding grounds.

“Ensure cleanliness in all areas ceremonies or celebrations are held. Dispose of all damaged and unused items at recycling or disposal sites, and use aerosol (mosquito) spray before commencing activities,” he said.

He asked the public to wear brightly coloured clothes and to cover their bodies when participating in outdoor activities during the Aedes mosquito’s peak activity periods – from 6am to 8am and 6pm to 8pm.

“Use mosquito repellent on exposed parts of the body. Prevent dengue. Happy Thaipusam and Chap Goh Mei,” said Dr Noor Hisham. – Bernama, February 2, 2023.