Dengue cases Update for 2015

Malaysia has recorded a remarkable increase in the number of dengue cases, in the first three weeks of 2015 as compared to the corresponding period of last year.

According to a statement released by the Minister of Health Malaysia Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam, for the first three weeks of 2015, the number of dengue cases reported nationwide was 8,502, an increase of 65% from 5,141 cases reported during the same period last year.

"One of the reasons for the rise in the number of cases and deaths is the dengue serotype shift that happened in August last year, where there was a shift in the dominant serotype from DEN 2 to DEN 1," said Subramaniam.

"Besides the serotype shift, other factors contributing to the increase in the number of dengue cases were environmental factors, uncontrolled human movements (especially those carrying the virus), the weather and the unhealthy human behaviour.

The Health Ministry said medical practitioners at private clinics and hospitals are not able to detect symptoms of dengue on 99 percent of patients during their first visit.

Subramaniam said the Health Ministry viewed the statistics seriously because early detection was important to tackle a drastic increase in the number of dengue cases.

Subramaniam said the ministry wants the procedures to detect dengue cases be enhanced by using the Combo Rapid Test Kit.  "I hope private hospitals can be equipped with the kit and used for early detection. It does not matter if four kits were used but only one case detected." He hoped private medical practitioners would view dengue as a serious menace and use the Combo Rapid Test Kit as well as stock up enough supply.

"The increase in the number of cases and deaths by dengue must be taken seriously.

/theSUN, Bernama 28-01-2015

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