KUALA LUMPUR: A total of 50,511 dengue cases and 88 fatalities were recorded in Malaysia from Jan 1 to June 13, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.
He said the total cumulative cases is lower compared to the 56,819 cases and 88 fatalities recorded in the same period, last year.
"However, the past eight weeks saw (a rising) trend, with an average (increase) of eight per cent a week. Based on the trends, the ministry is expecting the second wave of dengue in early June until September 2020," he said in a statement in conjunction with the 10th Asean Dengue Day here, today.
Dr Adham said even though Malaysia is facing the Covid-19 pandemic, continuous efforts must be made to combat dengue, as the number of cases is still high.
"(Dengue preventive) efforts will be enhanced with the involvement of health agents, namely the Communication for Behavioral Impact (Combi) programme volunteers across Malaysia, who will be assisting the ministry in carrying out educational activities on dengue prevention through the new norm approach.
"As of June 12, there were 2,954 Combi teams with 25,531 volunteers nationwide," he added.
Meanwhile, Dr Adham said the theme of the national-level Asean Dengue Day celebration this year is '10 minutes to destroy Aedes'; and is aimed at establishing solid commitment and cooperation among all parties, including the community, departments, the government and private agencies, to combat the dengue menace together.
He added that the message behind the theme is to have the community allocate at least 10 minutes per week to clean their environment and destroy Aedes breeding grounds.
Asean Dengue Day is celebrated on June 15 every year since its launch in 2011. - Bernama