01 Jul 2024 | 03:14 PM UTC
Malaysia: Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Perak in early July
Elevated dengue fever activity reported in multiple areas in Perak, Malaysia, in early July. Avoid mosquito bites.
Health authorities have reported elevated dengue fever activity in multiple areas in Perak, with 4,543 total cases reported Jan. 1-June 30. This is compared to the 1,745 cases reported during a similar period in 2023. Authorities report seven active hotspot localities, mainly located in the Kinta, Larut Matang and Selama (LMS), and Hulu Perak districts. Health officials urge the public to take the necessary dengue fever prevention measures, including regularly cleaning the area around their homes and disposing of unused containers or barrels. This report represents the most complete data available as of July 1.
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.
Dengue fever is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. 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. There are two dengue fever vaccines, Dengvaxia (CYD-TDV) and Qdenga (TAK-003). Dengvaxia is only recommended for individuals with a history of dengue infection and who live in dengue-endemic countries or areas. Qdenga is recommended for use in children aged 6–16 in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. Check with your healthcare provider if dengue vaccination is needed.
