The number of dengue cases in Johor for epidemiology week 42 (ME42) rose to 8,422 compared to 2,755 cases recorded in the same period in 2022, according to Johor Health and Unity committee chairman Ling Tian Soon. This indicates a 206% increase in cases registered in 2023. Out of the total 8,442 cases recorded as of Oct 23 this year, 3,432 cases (40.7%) were in epidemic localities while 5,010 cases (59.3%) were in non-epidemic localities.
Ling also mentioned that ME42 saw a decline in new dengue fever cases, with 209 cases this week compared to the 239 cases recorded in ME41 (Oct 16). Of the 209 cases, 160 were reported in Johor Baru, with Kulai having 15 cases and Kota Tinggi having eight cases.
In terms of specific locations, Ling said that Batu Pahat, Kluang, and Segamat each had six cases, Pontian had four cases, Tangkak had two cases, and Muar and Mersing each had one case. He further added that three deaths were recorded in ME42, bringing the total deaths to 18, compared to the one death recorded during the same period in 2022.
Ling provided information on the measures taken to combat dengue, stating that 4,759 compound notices totaling RM2.31mil have been issued so far this year to owners of premises found to be breeding places for Aedes mosquitoes. He also mentioned that 63.9% of fines have been paid by the violators.
Shifting the focus to the Covid-19 situation, Ling reported that Johor had a total of 400,979 cumulative cases as of Oct 21, 2023, with 397,913 being local infections and 3,066 imported cases. He mentioned that there are currently 13 Covid-19 patients being treated in hospitals, with no patients in the intensive care unit.
Ling reassured that Johor did not witness a drastic increase in Covid-19 cases over the past few months, and the bed utilization rate for Covid-19 patients in hospitals remained below 1.0%.
Regarding the Covid-19 Subvariant XXB, Ling stated that the state of Johor reported a total of 492 cases as of Oct 14, 2023. Out of these, Johor Baru had 272 cases, Muar had 61 cases, Kulai had 41 cases, Batu Pahat had 35 cases, Kluang had 25 cases, Kota Tinggi had 24 cases, Pontian had 16 cases, Tangkak had 14 cases, Segamat had three cases, and one case was reported in Mersing.
Concluding his statement, Ling assured that the Covid-19 situation in Johor is under control, despite the presence of cases of the Covid-19 Subvariant XXB in the state. He urged those who have not received the booster dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to promptly register and get vaccinated to safeguard themselves and their families.
