Dengue fever deaths on the rise: Dr Hilmi Yahya

KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 80,654 dengue fever cases were recorded nationwide from January to August compared to 65,672 cases during the corresponding period last year, said Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya.
He said the number of fatalities also rose from 128 to 219.
"Dengue cases in the country are now showing a significant upward trend with an increase of 23% of reported cases and 5% increase in fatalities," he said.
He said this in his speech at the Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya-level Fight Against Aedes programme at Sungai Besi Camp, here today.
The text of his speech was read by deputy director-general of Health (Public Health) Datuk Dr Lokman Hakim Sulaiman.
Dr Hilmi said the number of dengue cases in Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya increased to 5,203 cases between January and August with 26 deaths from 4,975 cases with 14 deaths over the corresponding period last year.
He said the "couldn't care less" attitude towards household waste management had caused the spread of Aedes breeding grounds.
"We advise people to ensure their homes, workplaces, schools and other areas are free from Aedes mosquitoes," he said. – Bernama