A TOTAL of 1,514 cases of dengue fever were recorded in Kelantan from January to August 12, an increase of 225% compared to the same period last year.

Kelantan Health Department director Dr Zaini Hussin said two deaths due to dengue fever were also recorded during that period.

“In the last epidemiological week, we recorded an increase. I expect it to continue to rise with the current rainy and dry weather conditions,” he said.

“However, the number of dengue cases this year is lower than that before the Covid-19 pandemic, which is a 50% drop compared to the 3,030 cases in 2020.”

Zaini was speaking to reporters after officiating at the Jalur Gemilang celebration at Wisma Federukung Kota Bharu in Kota Baru today.

He said if proactive measures, including eliminating breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, are not taken, dengue cases are expected to continue to rise based on reports of 122 outbreaks recorded from January to August 12 compared to 26 outbreaks in the same period last year.

“Out of that number, 97 outbreaks have ended while another 25 are still active. There is no hotspot outbreak that has lasted more than 30 days in Kelantan.

“So far, the hotspot localities are in Kota Baru, Bachok and Tumpat,” he said.

Zaini said the department always carries out control and prevention activities for all cases in an effort to break the chain of infection through vector control, fogging, elimination of breeding places and health education.

“Until August 12, a total of 371,269 homes and business outlets were inspected for Aedes breeding grounds and 1,639 compounds worth RM819,500 were issued to owners who were found to have Aedes breeding on their premises. – Bernama, August 17, 2023.