NewsDesk @bactiman63 

The Malaysia Ministry of Health reports the number of dengue fever cases reported in 2022 to date have more than doubled the numbers seen during the same period in 2021.

Image/Malaysia MOH

Through September 24, Malaysia has seen a cumulative 42,084 cases compared to 19,423 cases for the same period in 2021 which is an increase of 22,661 cases (116.7%), while there were 24 deaths due to dengue complications reported compared to 13 deaths for the same period in 2021.

Of the 48 reported hotspot localities, 28 (58.3%) localities reported in Selangor, 15 (31.3%) localities in Sabah and five (5) (10.4%) localities in WP Kuala Lumpur & Putrajaya.

Dengue is a viral infection transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito. There are four closely related but antigenically different serotypes of the virus that can cause dengue (DEN1, DEN 2, DEN 3, DEN 4).

Dengue Fever (DF) – marked by an onset of sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and pain in muscles and joints. Some may also have a rash and varying degree of bleeding from various parts of the body (including nose, mouth and gums or skin bruising).Dengue has a wide spectrum of infection outcome (asymptomatic to symptomatic). Symptomatic illness can vary from dengue fever (DF) to the more serious dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Subscribe to Outbreak News TV on YouTube

The Halloween Store

Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) – is a more severe form, seen only in a small proportion of those infected. DHF is a stereotypic illness characterized by 3 phases; febrile phase with high continuous fever usually lasting for less than 7 days; critical phase (plasma leaking) lasting 1-2 days usually apparent when fever comes down, leading to shock if not detected and treated early; convalescence phase lasting 2-5 days with improvement of appetite, bradycardia (slow heart rate), convalescent rash (white patches in red background), often accompanied by generalized itching (more intense in palms and soles), and diuresis (increase urine output).

Dengue advisory reissued for Asia

Dengue Shock Syndrome (DSS) — Shock syndrome is a dangerous complication of dengue infection and is associated with high mortality. Severe dengue occurs as a result of secondary infection with a different virus serotype. Increased vascular permeability, together with myocardial dysfunction and dehydration, contribute to the development of shock, with resultant multiorgan failure.