Malaysian Dengue Fever Cases Surpass 21,000 in 7 Weeks... 24 Deaths Reported

Appearance of a forest mosquito that causes dengue fever [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] In Malaysia, more than 21,000 dengue fever cases have been reported within just seven weeks this year, resulting in 24 deaths. Among confirmed cases in Singapore, one patient hospitalized for dengue fever tested positive for COVID-19, indicating a rapid spread of dengue fever across Southeast Asia.

According to foreign media including the AP on the 20th, Malaysia's Ministry of Health National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) reported that from the 1st of last month to the 15th of this month, 21,190 dengue fever cases occurred nationwide in Malaysia, with 24 deaths. The highest number of dengue fever cases was recorded in Selangor state in the southwest of the Malay Peninsula, with 13,018 cases. Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, the capital and administrative capital, reported 1,651 cases, Johor state had 1,634 cases, and Sabah state had 1,175 cases, respectively.

Dengue fever is transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, and its main symptoms include fever, headache, chills, and muscle pain. Without proper treatment, the fatality rate can reach 20%. In neighboring Singapore, among three new confirmed cases on the 19th, one patient hospitalized for dengue fever tested positive for COVID-19 and was added to the confirmed cases. Malaysia currently has 22 confirmed COVID-19 cases, of which 15 have recovered and been discharged, and 7 remain hospitalized.