Cumulative dengue cases in Johor for 2023 up by 221%

JOHOR BARU: Johor witnessed a surge in cumulative dengue cases during epidemiology week 41 (ME41) to 8,233 cases, compared to 2,648 cases reported in the corresponding period of 2022

The state health and unity committee chairman, Ling Tian Soon, revealed that this year’s cumulative cases marked a 221% increase.

“Out of the total 8,233 cases, 3,351 (40.6%) were identified as epidemic localities, while 4,882 (59.3%) were non-epidemic localities,” he said in a statement.

Ling highlighted that ME41 (161023) observed a rise in new dengue fever cases with 239 cases, compared to 218 cases in ME40.

He further stated that out of the 239 cases, Johor Baru district recorded the highest number with 179 cases, followed by Kulai (21) and Batu Pahat (12) cases.

Kluang reported nine cases, Kota Tinggi seven, Pontian four, with Tangkak and Segamat having three cases each. One case was detected in Muar, while Mersing had no recorded cases.

In comparison to the corresponding period in 2022, there were 15 cumulative deaths from ME01 to ME41 this year, in contrast to one death previously.

“So far this year, we have issued 4,677 compound notices amounting to RM2.27 million to premises owners found breeding Aedes mosquitoes. 62.9% of the fines have been paid,” Ling added.

Regarding the Covid-19 situation, Ling stated that Johor had recorded a cumulative total of 400,966 cases as of Saturday (Oct 14), of which 397,902 were local infections and 3,064 were imported cases.

“Currently, there are 10 Covid-19 patients receiving treatment in hospitals, and no patients have been admitted to the intensive care unit,” Ling disclosed.

He assured that Johor had not observed a drastic rise in Covid-19 cases over the past few months, with hospital bed usage for Covid-19 patients remaining below 1.0%.

Ling revealed that the state reported 492 cases of the Covid-19 Subvariant XXB as of Oct 14, 2023. Johor Baru had 272 cases, followed by Muar (61), Kulai (41), Batu Pahat (35), Kluang (25), Kota Tinggi (24), Pontian (16), Tangkak (14), Segamat (3), and Mersing (1).

“Despite the presence of the Covid-19 Subvariant XXB in the state, the situation in Johor is under control,” Ling assured.

Ling also urged those who have not yet received the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to promptly register and receive the vaccine to ensure the protection of themselves and their families.