By DayakDaily Team
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 21: Sarawak recorded a 33 per cent increase in dengue cases up to Epidemiological Week 32 of 2026 (up to Aug 15), with the State among several areas nationwide reporting a rise in infections, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH).
In a statement today, the ministry reported that dengue fever cases nationwide rose 56.2 per cent to 58,079, compared with the same period last year, along with 55 deaths reported from dengue-related complications.
The initial rise in cases was concentrated mainly in the Klang Valley, particularly Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya, prompting the MOH to intensify targeted prevention and control measures, including early case detection, vector control, outbreak management, and deploying personnel to strengthen field response capacity.
“The intensified measures are showing positive results in the Klang Valley. However, the risk of dengue transmission remains high, and the national situation is still concerning, with cases also rising in several other states,” it said.
A state-by-state comparison up to Aug 15 showed that Perlis recorded the highest increase, at 207 per cent, with 169 cases compared with 55 in the same period last year, followed by Johor, which recorded a 109 per cent increase to 8,639 cases from 4,140, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya recorded a 106 per cent increase to 10,316 cases from 5,013.
It said Selangor recorded the highest number of cases at 25,090, a 61 per cent increase from 15,610 cases during the same period last year, adding that increases were also recorded in the Federal Territory of Labuan, at 86 per cent, followed by Terengganu (70 per cent), Perak (43 per cent), Negeri Sembilan (42 per cent), Sabah (34 per cent), Sarawak (33 per cent), Pahang (11 per cent), and Kelantan (10 per cent).
However, cases fell in three states, with Penang down 26 per cent to 916 cases from 1,233, Melaka down 36 per cent to 477 cases from 745, and Kedah down 60 per cent to 599 cases from 1,489.
The MOH said several factors had contributed to the rise in dengue cases, including erratic weather, as alternating rainfall and heat created favourable conditions for Aedes mosquitoes to breed.
“The presence of numerous containers holding stagnant water in residential areas and their surroundings also increases the risk of Aedes mosquito breeding and dengue transmission,” the statement said.
The ministry said dengue prevention and control required a whole-of-society approach, particularly as more than 70 per cent of Aedes breeding sites were still found in residential areas.
“The public is urged to spend at least 10 minutes each week checking for and eliminating Aedes breeding sites in and around their homes, as well as taking measures to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” it said.
The ministry also advised the public to seek medical examination and treatment promptly if they experience fever or warning signs of dengue. — DayakDaily
