Kuala lumpur: Dengue fever cases nationwide have surged by 56.2 per cent, reaching 58,079 cases up to Epidemiological Week 32 of 2026, compared to the same period last year, according to the Ministry of Health (MOH). In the same period, 55 deaths have been reported due to dengue-related complications.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the initial rise in cases was primarily concentrated in the Klang Valley, including Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, and Putrajaya. This prompted the MOH to intensify targeted prevention and control measures such as early case detection, vector control, and outbreak management, along with deploying personnel to bolster field response capacity. Despite positive results from these intensified measures in Klang Valley, the national situation remains concerning as the risk of dengue transmission stays high with rising cases in other states as well.
A state-by-state analysis up to August 15, 2026, revealed that Perlis experienced the highest increase, at 207 per cent, with 169 cases compared to 55 in the previous year. Johor followed with a 109 per cent rise to 8,639 cases from 4,140, while Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya saw a 106 per cent increase to 10,316 cases from 5,013. Selangor recorded the highest number of cases at 25,090, marking a 61 per cent increase from the prior year's 15,610 cases. Other states like the Federal Territory of Labuan, Terengganu, Perak, Negeri Sembilan, Sabah, Sarawak, Pahang, and Kelantan also reported increases, while Penang, Melaka, and Kedah saw declines in dengue cases.
The MOH attributed the rise in dengue cases to several factors, including erratic weather patterns that created favorable breeding conditions for Aedes mosquitoes. The presence of containers holding stagnant water in residential areas also heightened the risk of mosquito breeding and dengue transmission. The ministry emphasized the importance of a whole-of-society approach in dengue prevention and control, noting that over 70 per cent of Aedes breeding sites are still found in residential areas.
The public is urged to dedicate at least 10 minutes each week to check for and eliminate Aedes breeding sites in and around their homes and to take preventive measures against mosquito bites. Additionally, the ministry advised seeking medical examination and treatment promptly if experiencing fever or signs of dengue.