Malaysia

As the number of dengue fever cases in Malaysia nears 35,000 cases for the year, the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) is calling on the public to do it’s part to curb the outbreak.

Aedes aegypti/CDC
Aedes aegypti/CDC

According to a The Rakyat Post report today, Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) president Dr Krishna Kumar said members of the public needed to change their habits for the country to have a chance to curb the spread of dengue.

“The general public must be the first to be involved.

“They must make sure they practice proper hygiene and make sure they dispose of garbage properly,” he told the news source.

In addition, Krishna called on the people to stop “doctor hopping” so the same doctor can monitor the status of a patient.

Bernama, the Malaysian National News Agency, is reporting the dengue death toll has increased by three to 104, although this is not reflected on the Ministry of Health website as of this report.

Some government officials are calling for an emergency declaration due to the outbreak.

Vietnam

The number of dengue fever cases in Ho Chi Minh City is around 3,000 to date, a 43 percent increase from the same period last year, according to a Vietnam Net report Sunday. Two fatalities have been reported.

In addition, Dong Nai Province’s Preventive Health Centre has reported 860 dengue fever cases in the last three months, an increase of 93 per cent compared to the same period last year. Two patients have died due to dengue here also.

Fiji

The Pacific island of Fiji is also recording an increase in dengue fever, according to local media. According to Fiji Village, 502 confirmed dengue fever cases have been recorded so far.

The Health Ministry said 401 dengue fever cases have been recorded in the Northern Division.

In 2014, Fiji saw some 28,000 dengue cases and 14 deaths.