According to the Ministry of Health’s Disease Control Division (DCD), the recent surge in dengue cases could be a prelude to a potential major outbreak later this year or next year, if Malaysians don’t do their part to contain its spread.

The DCD stated that from January to May this year there was a 158 percent rise in dengue cases and an alarming 18.3 percent increase in the death toll compared with the same period last year which makes them conclude that a major outbreak is imminent.

Dengue cases saw a massive increase so far this year with 48,712 cases reported from January to May, 2023 surpassing the 18,883 cases that were reported for the same period which is now a cause for concern.

The Ministry of Health reiterated that public support and dedication will be key to preventing a major outbreak and urged individuals and communities to join forces and play their part to prevent a major outbreak.

Using the Wolbachia Mosquito (WM) to combat the spread of aedes mosquitoes that cause dengue have resulted in a reduction by 33 percent to 100 percent in 16 out of 19 high dengue burden localities since the year 2019.

Since July 2019, 28 high dengue burden localities have been identified with Selangor having 10 hotspots, Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (7), Penang (4), Kelantan (two), Johor (two), Pahang (two), and Melaka (one) where WM’s have been released.

-THE MALAYSIA VOICE