THE cumulative number of dengue cases in Kelantan up to the eighth epidemiological week this year was up by 41, with 280 recorded compared with 239 during the same period last year.

“However, no death has been recorded so far. One of the contributing factors to the increase in dengue cases is the unpredictable weather,” said Kelantan Health Department director Dr Zaini Hussin.

He told reporters this after the Syariah Compliant Nursing Course opening ceremony at Kolej Poly-Tech Mara Kota Baru today.

Zaini said 97,784 places were inspected and 463 compound notices were issued under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 for being breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.

He also said most hospitals in Kelantan are already carrying out operations in accordance with shariah with the help of religious officials, including implementing the Hospital Mesra Ibadah programme.

“We have held courses for the staff involved. In terms of application, it still has certain constraints, mainly due to the lack of personnel,” he said.

“We will try to implement it as best possible, but it needs to be understood that in an emergency, members or personnel can treat patients of the opposite sex.” – Bernama, March 5, 2023.