338 percent rise in Selangor dengue cases

Dengue cases in Selangor have spiked by 338 percent, with 29,972 cases recorded between January and July 27, as compared to only 6,842 cases for the same period last year.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said among the factors for the increase of dengue cases was the poor management of solid waste.

"The situation can be attributed to irregular collection of rubbish," he told Bernama Friday.

He noted that in this regard, there should be more determined efforts to fight dengue in Selangor, thereby bringing down its frequency.

The Health Ministry had mobilised more personnel from other states to Selangor for its dengue eradication operations, said Dr Noor Hisham.

In a statement Friday, he also said the number of dengue cases nationwide was almost 60,000 cases from January to July 27, as compared to only 15,400 cases for the same period last year.

Dr Noor Hisham said Kelantan recorded the second highest number of dengue cases after Selangor, at 5,156 cases and five deaths during the period.

"The total number of dengue fatalities nationwide was 101 as compared to 31 deaths for the same period last year," he said.