JOHOR BARU, Jan 14 — There has been a spike in dengue cases in the state since Jan 1, with the authorities warning that the situation could worsen with the rising temperature in coming weeks.

The state health department recorded 513 cases from Jan 1 to Saturday, an increase of 147 cases from the previous week, state executive councillor for health and the environment Datuk Ayub Rahmat said.

“But if you compare it to the total number of cases reported in the first nine days of 2015, then the increase is staggering. There were only 128 cases in the same period last year, which means there is an increase of 301 per cent,” 

Ayub said the dengue epidemic and the impact of the dry weather because of the El Nino phenomenon was discussed at the State Executive Council meeting yesterday

He said the hot spell in Johor was expected to start at the end of the month and could last until March. 

Ayub said Johor Baru district was still the focus in the fight against the spread of dengue.

“Of the 513 cases reported in the first nine days of the year, 80 per cent were in Johor Baru, which is to say that the district needs to be cleaned up. 

“Even with the impending hot spell, I have told health authorities to keep an eye on areas like drains and empty lands where water retention is common and rubbish dumps.

“In dry weather, mosquitoes tend to look for places where there is water, to breed and lay eggs,” said Ayub.

He also said the public must conserve water during this period.

“If you have to turn on the tap, do so but use water with care. 

El Nino means less rain and less rain means less water at the dams and this will affect water supply to households.”