PUTRAJAYA, Sept 23 — The number of dengue cases in Malaysia saw a slight decline during Epidemiological Week 37 (ME37), from Sept 8 to 14, with 1,794 cases reported, down from 1,870 cases the previous week.

Health director-general Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan confirmed that no fatalities from dengue fever complications were recorded during this period. However, the cumulative number of dengue cases up to ME37 in 2024 has reached 100,236, a significant increase compared to 84,865 cases during the same time frame in 2023.

In his statement, Dr Muhammad Radzi noted that a total of 89 deaths due to dengue complications have occurred this year, compared to 59 deaths during the same period last year.

He also reported a drop in dengue hotspots, with 43 localities flagged in ME37, down from 53 the previous week. Of the current hotspots, 32 are located in Selangor, while the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, along with Perak, each have three. Negeri Sembilan and Penang reported two hotspots each, and Kelantan had one.

Regarding chikungunya, Dr Muhammad Radzi confirmed no recorded cases or outbreaks in ME37, with the cumulative number of cases remaining at 72 for the year.

As for Zika surveillance, he stated that 1,934 blood samples, eight urine samples, and three cerebrospinal fluid samples were tested, all of which returned negative results.

Dr Muhammad Radzi stressed the importance of early detection in managing dengue. He mentioned that all suspected cases are now being tested using a rapid combo test kit, providing results within 20 to 30 minutes. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment, he emphasized, are crucial in preventing dengue-related fatalities.