Malaysian health officials have reported an additional eight dengue-related fatalities since our last update earlier in the week with the total deaths now at 112 from the beginning of the year through Apr.8.

Aedes aegypti mosquito feeding on a human host/CDC
Aedes aegypti mosquito feeding on a human host/CDC

With the addition of 242 new cases Thursday, the health ministry puts the country total at 35,302.

Selangor state continues to see large numbers of dengue fever on a daily basis with the latest data showing 20,764 cases.

This has prompted the Raja Muda of Selangor has made an impassioned plea to Malaysians to stop their apathy if they want to rid the country of dengue.

“They [the public] do not bother to participate, pay any attention or think for a second that their ignorance could cause a life, until it does,” he said when launching the Dengue-Free Malaysian Movement organised by Country Heights Holdings Berhad in Seri Kembangan last weekend.

Dengue is an infectious disease caused by the dengue virus (DENV). There are 4 serotypes called DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3 and DENV-4. Infection with one serotype produces lifelong immunity against that serotype reinfection. Successive infection with two different serotypes is a risk factor for developing the severe forms of the disease.

The Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are transmitters of dengue.