The number of dengue fever cases in Melaka increased by 103.8 per cent to 322 cases from Jan 1 to April 29, compared to 158 cases in the corresponding period last year.

Health, Human Resources and Unity Committee chairman Ngwe Hee Sem said of the total, Melaka Tengah recorded the highest number of dengue fever cases at 241, followed by Jasin (52 cases) and Alor Gajah (29 cases).

He added a total of 89 cases reported in January, February (61 cases), March (85 cases) and April (87 cases).

“A total of 19 dengue fever cases were recorded in Melaka during the the 17th Epidemiological week (ME) from April 23 to 29, an increase of three cases compared to 16 cases in the previous week.

“Of the total, 14 cases were recorded in Melaka Tengah, Jasin (three cases) and Alor Gajah (two cases),” he told reporters after attending Machap Jaya constituency Aidilfitri open house yesterday.

Ngwe, who is also Machap Jaya assemblyman, no death from complications due to dengue fever was reported during the ME 17 period.

“Fourteen dengue hotspot localities were identified, with two recorded in Melaka Tengah and one each in Jasin and Alor Gajah,” he said.

The hotspots are Taman Perkota and Jalan Sekolah, Kampung Padang Temu in Melaka Tengah, while Taman Merlimau Baru (Jasin), and Batu 21 ½ Kampung Solok Dekat (Alor Gajah).

Ngwe said the state health department will collaborate with local authorities in the three districts to conduct joint programmes to increase awareness and to curb the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes, especially in residential and industrial areas.

Source: BERNAMA News Agency