37 dengue deaths since January this year - Subramaniam

Thirty-seven deaths were reported nationwide due to dengue fever since January 1 to February 2 this year, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam.

He said Selangor continued to record the highest number of deaths with 12 cases.

"15,251 dengue fever cases were recorded nationwide and from that total 7,355 cases occurred in Selangor, and the total of death cases were 37.

"Selangor recorded 12 cases of death, Penang seven cases, Terengganu six cases, Negeri Sembilan five cases and Johor two cases," he told reporters after visiting Apartment Seri Cempaka in Bandar Baru Bangi here today.

He said the public and local authorities need to work together to destroy Aedes breeding grounds to prevent dengue and Zika virus from spreading.

Dr Subramaniam also called for a holistic approach in curbing these two diseases.

"If there is cooperation and sharing of information in a holistic manner between residents, local authorities and the ministry, I believe we can reduce dengue cases and prevent the outbreak of Zika virus outbreak," he said.

"If we can destroy all (Aedes) breeding ground, there will be no cases," he added.