Dengue cases increase sharply in Malaysia

Seven states and federal territory in Malaysia recorded a sharp increase in the number of dengue cases between Nov. 15 and Nov. 21, a Malaysian official said here on Thursday.

Malaysian Health Director-General Mohd Ismail Merican said in a statement that the state that recorded the highest increase was Penang with a 29 percent hike, followed by Sarawak (28 percent) and Johor (21 percent).

Negeri Sembilan recorded a 19 percent increase followed by Kuala Lumpur (12 percent), Perak (11 percent) and Selangor (seven percent), added Ismail.

In view of the worsening situation, Ismail said all state health directors were urged to step up enforcement.

Ismail also called on members of the public to ensure that their homes and workplaces were free of mosquito breeding sites.

According to Ismail, three deaths were reported last week from 819 dengue cases.

Meanwhile, Malaysian Deputy Health Director-General Hasan AbdulRahman told reporters after a dialogue session on dengue cases that the apathy among the public could increase the number of dengue cases to 1,600 next month.

Source: Xinhua