PUTRAJAYA, June 14 — Selangor has been asked to step up efforts to eradicate Aedes breeding grounds to combat the spread of dengue, Zika and Chikungunya, which the vector is responsible for.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said dengue remained a cause for concern in the country and that Selangor contributed to more than 50 per cent of the cases.

“We are also seeing an upward trend in the number of dengue cases whereby in the past months 1,600 to 1,800 cases were recorded on average but the numbers have shot up with 2,233 cases recorded from June 4-10 (week 23) while there were 2,302 cases from May 28-June 3 (week 22 ),”he told a media conference at his ministry here today.

However, he said accumulated cases till week 23 this year dropped to 43,087 as compared to 52,185 during the corresponding period last year.

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He called on all parties, individuals, local authorities and state governments to join forces to eradicate Aedes breeding grounds to prevent the spread of dengue.

Dr Subramaniam also said that Asean Dengue Day will be marked tomorrow and regional cooperation was continuing to combat the scourge of dengue.

The theme is “United Fight Against Dengue”.

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On the case of the teenager in Penang who has been declared brain dead after being beaten up by his former classmates in Penang on Saturday,  Dr Subramaniam said medical treatment for him would be continued based on prescribed procedures.

“He has been declared brain dead but we have machines to ensure sufficient oxygen supply, blood circulation continues and his heart continues to beat as normal. And if we can continue with this, we will try to treat each patient for as long as we can,”he said. — Bernama