Johor dengue cases more than double, deaths rise to 13

Johor has experienced a dramatic surge in dengue cases, with the number of infections more than doubling compared to the same period last year, according to the latest data. As of August 30, a total of 9,954 dengue cases were recorded, representing an astonishing 131.3 percent increase from 4,304 cases reported during the corresponding period in 2022. The death toll from dengue-related illnesses has also risen significantly, with 13 fatalities this year compared to eight during the same period last year.

Health officials have been closely monitoring the situation, noting that 664 dengue cases were reported in Epidemiological Week 34, which is a modest increase of 2 percent from the previous week's 651 cases. The city of Johor Baru has been hit the hardest, accounting for 495 cases, or 74.6 percent of the total reported during the week.

Other notable hotspots include Kulai with 120 cases, Batu Pahat with 19 cases, Segamat with nine cases, Kota Tinggi with seven cases, Muar and Pontian with four cases each, Kluang with three cases, Tangkak with two cases, and Mersing with one case.

The number of dengue outbreak localities in Johor has also skyrocketed, with 66 new localities identified during the week. This brings the cumulative number of outbreak localities in the state to 1,083, a staggering 135.9 percent increase from 459 during the same period last year. Of the total cases, 45.4 percent, or 4,520, were reported from outbreak localities, while the remaining 5,434 cases came from non-outbreak areas.

In response to the rising tide of dengue, authorities have been issuing enforcement action notices, resulting in the issuance of 3,745 compound fines worth RM1.8725 million this year. Nonetheless, 80.2 percent of these fines have already been paid, signaling a level of compliance from affected residents.