THE number of dengue cases increased by 360, or 18.7%, to 2,284 cases in the 36th epidemiological week (ME36) from September 3 to 9, compared with 1,924 cases in the previous week, said health director-general Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan.

He said two deaths from dengue complications were also recorded during that week.

He said the cumulative number of dengue cases so far stood at 82,485 compared with 39,188 cases in the same period last year – an increase of 43,297 cases, or 110.5%.

“Fifty-nine deaths due to dengue complications were reported, compared with 24 deaths in the same period last year,” he said in a statement today.

He said 66 hotspots were reported in ME36 compared with 83 the previous week, with 47 in Selangor, 13 each in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, three in Kelantan and one each in Sabah, Penang and Perak.

Dr Radzi said three chikungunya cases were recorded in ME36, taking the cumulative number of cases to 166.

As for Zika, he said 2,114 blood samples and 167 urine samples were screened, and all results were negative. – Bernama, September 15, 2023.