The cumulative number of dengue cases in Johor during epidemiological week 40 (ME40), which ran from Oct 1 to 7, reached 7,994 cases. This is a significant increase compared to the 2,518 cases reported during the same period last year, representing a surge of 218%. Out of the total cases, 3,249 (40.6%) were classified as epidemic locality cases, while the remaining 4,745 (59.4%) were non-epidemic locality cases,” stated Ling Tian Soon, the chairman of the state health and unity committee.
In more positive news, the number of new dengue cases in ME40 decreased slightly to 218 cases, compared to 233 cases in the previous week (ME39 – Sept 24 to 30).
Johor Baru district reported the highest number of dengue cases with 163, followed by Kulai with 24 cases and Batu Pahat with seven cases. Kota Tinggi recorded six cases, Kluang five cases, Segamat four cases, and Muar and Pontian three cases each. Mersing had the lowest number of cases with only one reported.
Ling also mentioned that there have been 15 cumulative deaths from dengue in the period between ME01 and ME40 this year, compared to just one death during the same period last year.
He further revealed that 4,499 compound notices amounting to RM2.18 million were issued to owners of premises where Aedes mosquitoes were found to be breeding. Of those fined, 63.3% have paid the fines.
On the topic of Covid-19, Ling provided an update stating that a total of 400,946 cumulative cases have been reported in the state as of Oct 7. Among them, 397,884 were local infections, while 3,062 were imported cases.
As for the current situation, five Covid-19 patients are receiving treatment in hospitals, with none of them being admitted to the intensive care unit. Ling reassured that there has not been a significant increase in Covid-19 cases in Johor over the past few months, and bed occupancy at hospitals remains below 1.0%.
Regarding the Omicron subvariant XXB, there have been a total of 492 cases reported in Johor as of Oct 7. Among the districts, Johor Baru had the highest number of cases with 272, followed by Muar with 61 cases, Kulai with 41 cases, Batu Pahat with 35 cases, Kluang with 25 cases, Kota Tinggi with 24 cases, Pontian with 16 cases, Tangkak with 14 cases, Segamat with three cases, and Mersing with one case.
Ling assured that the Covid-19 situation in Johor is currently under control, despite the presence of the XXB subvariant.
Ling also emphasized the importance of receiving the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine and urged those who have not yet received it to register without delay in order to protect themselves and their families.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
