Kedah records 6.9 percent drop in dengue cases

Kedah records a drop of 6.9 per cent in dengue fever cases or 770 from Jan 1 to Oct 31 compared to 828 cases recorded during the same period last year.

State Health director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said 12 deaths due to dengue fever were recorded in the state compared to six deaths during the same period last year, and the latest involved a 15-year-old boy from Kuala Muda on Oct 27. "The patient had fever, headache and was vomitting for three days and was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital on Oct 23. He died on Oct 27," he said in a statement today.

He said the dengue fever cases recorded a hike in Bandar Baharu (highest), Yan, Baling, Kubang Pasu, Pendang, Kulim, Kota Setar and Padang Terap while Kuala Muda and Sik recorded a decline.

He said 311,639 premises were checked during the period and Aedes larvae were found on 5,174 premises.

A total 2,533 compounds were issued under the Destruction of Disease-Bearing Insects Act 1975 and 357 notices ordering the cleaning and destroying of Aedes mosqito breeding places were also given out, he added.