GEORGE TOWN, March 27 — The total number of dengue fever cases nationwide was reported falling by 113 cases for the 12th week (March 20-26) compared to the 11th week this year, following the hot and dry weather due to the El Nino phenomenon.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said for the 12th week, there were 1,877 cases reported compared to the 11th week with 1,990 cases and two deaths.
“In the past two weeks, the number of dengue fever cases fell as the hot and
dry weather sets in the country, nevertheless the people are advised to continue taking precautions by keeping the house compound clean as mosquito larva could survive up to six months,” he told reporters after opening a Penang-level 1Malaysia Community Cooperation programme, here today.
He said on the overall there were 34,801 dengue fever cases reported from January to date compared to 32,321 cases for the same period last year, which was a rise of 7.7 per cent or 2,480 cases.
“During the same period, there were 85 deaths compared to 101 fatalities last year, a reduction of 15.8 per cent,” he said.
Dr Hilmi, who is Balik Pulau MP, said the ministry received nine reports of health problems related to the extremely hot weather in the northern region including a new case of heat stroke this week.
He said from the seven cases relating to heat fatigue, one was in Perlis and six cases were in Kedah while two other cases of heat cramps were also reported in Kedah.
The latest heat stroke case was reported in Perak and this took the total number of heat stroke cases to six now, he said. — Bernama
