THE Penang Health Department has observed a significant decrease in the number of dengue cases during the 19th Epidemiological Week (ME19) in comparison to the preceding week.
The number has dropped to 13 cases on the third day of the 19th Epidemiological Week (ME19), from May 5 to 7, from the 65 cases recorded in the previous week.
The department, in a statement, revealed a decline in cumulative cases from 1,938 in the 18th Epidemiological Week (ME18) to 198 cases in ME19. The additional good news was that there were no reported deaths, unlike ME18 when two fatalities occurred – one in the northeast district and another in the south Seberang Perai.
Penang Youth, Sports and Health Committee chairman Daniel Gooi Zi Sen said coordinated attempts have been made to tackle the issue.
“Penang is one of the four states in Malaysia where the number of dengue cases has decreased from the previous year.
“Regular monitoring has been carried out to ensure effective control of dengue cases in the state,” he said.
Notably, there have been no reported cases of Chikungunya so far this year, offering a positive outlook amidst ongoing health concerns.
Out of the 13 cases reported during ME19, eight came from central Seberang Perai, two each from the northeast district and north Seberang Perai, one from south Seberang Perai and none from the southwest district.
The state Health Department continues to urge the public to take preventive measures to eradicate the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes in residential areas and premises.
Story by Nurul Hawa Farahin Hameddy
Pix courtesy of Penang Health Department