More than 400 per cent increase in dengue cases so far this year - Dr Subramaniam

There has been over 400 per cent increase in the number of dengue cases so far this year, compared to last year.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said from Jan until Feb 28, a total of 18,047 dengue cases and 36 deaths have been reported nationwide.

For the same period last year, a total of 4,259 cases and eight deaths were reported, he said.

Dr Subramaniam was quoted in The Star, Sunday, saying that the number of dengue cases continues to rise and the trend was worrying.

He said the ministry is also increasing the public’s awareness on the danger of dengue and has taken various steps to eradicate it.

Speaking after the 'Jom Hapus' programme aimed to eradicate Aedes breeding grounds, Dr Subramaniam said the public’s civic consciousness also need to be increased.

Adding that the ministry had identified 110 hotspots in the country, Dr Subramaniam also called on those affected by water cuts, to cover their water containers to prevent the mosquitoes from breeding.