17 Jan 2024 | 10:35 AM UTC
Malaysia: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas, especially Selangor, in January
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Malaysia in January; Selangor is most affected. Avoid mosquito bites.
Malaysian health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas, with 8,199 total cases reported Dec. 31, 2023-Jan. 16, 2024. This is compared to 5,329 cases reported during a similar period in 2023. Selangor (4,252 cases) is the most affected state, followed by Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya (920 cases), Johor (718 cases), Negeri Sembilan (602 cases), and Perak (365 cases). Health officials advised the public to keep their homes and surroundings clean and to remove any stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding. This report represents the most complete data available as of Jan. 17.
If you have previously been infected with dengue fever, consult with your physician regarding vaccination. Avoid mosquito bites and remove standing water to reduce the number of biting mosquitoes. Seek medical attention if symptoms develop within two weeks of being in affected areas. Do not use aspirin or ibuprofen products if dengue fever is suspected, as these could exacerbate bleeding tendencies associated with the disease.
Dengue fever is considered a year-round, nationwide threat in Malaysia; however, the risk of infection is highest in urban and peri-urban areas, with peak transmission occurring from October to March. Malaysian health authorities identified 123,133 dengue fever cases in 2023, 64,078 cases in 2022, 26,365 cases in 2021, and 90,304 cases in 2020.
There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia and Qdenga. It is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and in a country with a high dengue fever burden. Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. The risk of infection is often highest in urban and semi-urban areas. Symptoms of dengue fever include a sudden onset of fever and at least one of the following: severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, muscle and/or joint pain, rash, easy bruising, and/or nose or gum bleeding. Symptoms typically appear 5-7 days after being bitten but can develop up to 10 days after exposure. Dengue fever can progress to a more severe form known as dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF). DHF can be fatal if it is not recognized and treated in a timely manner.
