Dengue threat the worst in history - Subramaniam

The increasing number of dengue cases is seen as the worst in history, says Health Minister, Datuk Seri Dr. S. Subramaniam.

Speaking to reporters today, Subramaniam said that the dengue cases recorded this year differed to those recorded in previous years as the symptoms were heavier.

Based on a survey done between January 1, 2015 until February 21, 2015, the cumulative number of dengue cases totalled to 21,310 compared to 13,915 cases during the same time last year.

Selangor contributed the largest number of dengue cases which is 7,395 or 58 percent of the total number.

Subramaniam added that the symptoms connected to dengue have also changed.

“If earlier, patients experience bleeding and spots on the body, the disease now attacks internal organs such as the liver and brains.

“Of the total number of cases and manifestation cases, I can say that the dengue cases this time is the worst in history,” said Subramaniam.

The Health Ministry is also increasing its efforts of overcoming this disease by implementing a spray technique known as the Outdoor Residual Spray (ORS) to control the breeding of aedes mosquitoes.

“This technique was used when the government was trying to control the spread of malaria,” said Subramaniam.

This technique began to be used on February 11, 2015 targeted at four hot spots in Selangor which included Petaling, Hulu Langat, Gombak and Klang.

Apart from that, the Health Ministry are also looking into the use of anti-mosquito wall paint produced by the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) and patented by the Health Ministry.

The ministry is currently reviewing plans for this paint to be used on commercial buildings in efforts to reduce these dengue cases.