THE number of dengue fever cases decreased by 11 (0.5%) to 2,299 cases in the 39th epidemiological week (ME39) from September 24 to 30, compared with 2,310 the previous week, Health Director-General Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan said.

He said three deaths due to dengue fever were recorded in ME39.

Dr Radzi said the cumulative number of dengue fever cases recorded this year was 89,474, compared with 43,544 in the corresponding period last year, an increase of 45,930 cases, or 105.5%.

“Sixty-five fatalities due to dengue fever complications were reported, compared with 26 deaths in the same period last year,” he said in a statement today.

Dr Radzi said 60 hotspots were reported in ME39, with 46 in Selangor, eight in Kuala Lumpur, two in Penang, and one each in Putrajaya, Perak, Kelantan and Sarawak.

On chikungunya surveillance, he said six cases were recorded in ME39, bringing the cumulative number of cases to 175.

As for Zika, 2,535 blood samples and 241 urine samples were screened and the results were all negative. – Bernama, October 6, 2023.