Health Ministry warns of dengue cases doubling

BALIK PULAU: The Health Ministry has sounded the alarm bells after the number of dengue cases almost doubled in the beginning of the year compared to the same period last year.

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said a total of 14,180 dengue cases were recorded from Jan 1 until Feb 7 this year, an increase that was worrying as compared to 9,008 cases during the same period last year.

He said the worst hit state was Selangor with 7,972 cases and 23 deaths for this year so far.

He said Selangor last week recorded 1,286 cases followed by Perak (201) and Johor (139).

Dr Hilmi urged the rakyat to take the matter seriously by searching and destroying mosquito breeding grounds in their own homes.

He said the attitude of people taking the disease seriously was crucial in helping curb the spread of the disease.

"Everyone should keep their surroundings clean," the Balik Pulau MP said in a press conference today.

Dr Hilmi also noted waste management was an important component in combating the spread of dengue and urged the relevant authorities to work together.

"There is a need to ensure waste collection and management is done properly," he said.