The state recorded three dengue-related deaths in 2025, an increase from two the previous year.

A total of 1,046 dengue cases were reported statewide last year, involving 38 outbreaks. Two of these outbreaks were classified as hotspots, with three being recurrent.

Paya Rumput recorded the highest number of cases at 98, with two outbreaks reported in the area.

State Science, Technology, Innovation and Digital Communication Committee chairman Datuk Fairul Nizam Roslan revealed the figures. He was reading a speech by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusoh at the opening of an anti-dengue carnival and gotong-royong programme in Taman Rambai Jaya.

The state government has allocated RM100,000 this year to implement the MyMAT community programme. The funds will also expand the release of Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes to curb rising dengue cases.

This allocation forms part of the RM4.4 million provided under the Melaka Sayang Rakyat (MeSRa) public health scheme.

Fairul Nizam said the state government would continue strengthening intervention measures with the Melaka Health Department. These include operations to eliminate mosquito breeding sites, health education and continuous enforcement in high-risk areas.

He added that the Mega Gotong-Royong programme was a proactive step to break the mosquito breeding cycle. The initiative also aims to enhance community participation in dengue prevention efforts.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said dengue cases nationwide also declined by 56.5% to 51,046 as of December 6.

This compares to 118,291 cases recorded throughout the whole of 2024.

“We hope that when December ends this year, we can maintain the figure at 51,046 cases, reflecting a 56.5% reduction,” he said.

He congratulated public health programmes and all parties involved in controlling dengue cases.

Dzulkefly was speaking at the opening of the Putrajaya Wolbachia Insectarium.

The facility is the second of its kind to strengthen the nationwide Wolbachia Mosquito Operation.

The Health Ministry continues to enhance integrated dengue prevention strategies through a whole-of-nation approach.

Since 2019, the ministry has released Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes, a biological method proven to reduce virus transmission.

“This intervention complements existing measures such as the elimination of breeding grounds and chemical control,” Dzulkefly said.

The approach aligns with World Health Organisation recommendations for sustainable vector control.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department Datuk Seri Dr Zaliha Mustafa said her ministry remains committed to supporting dengue reduction in the Federal Territories.

She said providing the building for the insectarium reflects the commitment of local authorities.

“We repurposed a building that had long been unused into a facility that can benefit the people,” she said.

Source – Bernama

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said during the same period this year, 21 deaths were recorded, compared to 65 deaths in the same period in 2024.

“This reduction is not a ticket for the public to be complacent, especially since globally, the rise in dengue cases is showing a deeply worrying trend,” he said in his speech at the national level Gotong-Royong Mega Perangi Aedes 1.0 programme (Aedes prevention clean-up) in conjunction with Asean Dengue Day 2025 at the Seri Kota public housing in Bandar Tun Razak, here today.

Also present at the event were Bandar Tun Razak MP and the wife of the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and Health Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad.

Dzulkefly said globally, the World Health Organisation (WHO) statistics showed dengue cases surged from 505,430 cases in 2000 to 14.3 million cases in 2024, an increase of more than 28 times.

He said WHO statistics also showed that the number of dengue-related deaths worldwide rose from 960 in 2000 to 9,508 in 2024, representing nearly a tenfold increase over the past 25 years.

To curb dengue in Malaysia, he said various efforts would continue to be implemented under a whole-of-nation approach to ensure the public had a high level of awareness regarding environmental cleanliness and embraced dengue prevention practices as part of their daily routine.

“This includes search-and-destroy activities to eliminate Aedes mosquito breeding grounds inside and outside the home by spending at least 10 minutes each week, and making the One Hour Malaysia Clean Up initiative a regular monthly activity.

“Members of the public must also seek immediate medical attention at nearby health facilities if they experience fever or other dengue symptoms,” he added.

The gotong-royong (community clean-up) programme was held with the cooperation of residents of Seri Kota public housing in Bandar Tun Razak, volunteers from the Communication for Behavioural Impact (Combi) team, and staff from the Bandar Tun Razak Member of Parliament’s office.

Source — Bernama

Experts said dengue is now endemic in Malaysia and not seasonal, with cases occurring year-round across all states. Yet its ability to mimic other viral infections — such as influenza — and that up to 75 per cent of infections may be asymptomatic make early detection difficult.

During a recent panel discussion on dengue, Prof Dr Zulkifli Ismail, chairman of Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM) and consultant paediatrician and paediatric cardiologist at KPJ Specialist Selangor Hospital, shared a case where a patient presented with high fever, body aches, and dehydration — symptoms that initially pointed to dengue, despite two negative test results. The diagnosis was later confirmed to be influenza.

In other instances, actual dengue cases were “misdiagnosed” or downplayed as a “common fever” and only identified after the patient’s condition deteriorated.

“I think we should not use the word ‘misdiagnose’ because dengue is quite a complicated disease actually because it can mimic other diseases,” said Dr Koh Kar Chai, past president of the Malaysian Medical Association (MMA) and chairman of DPAM’s End Dengue Deaths (ENDD) campaign.

“It comes with different representations, so it needs a very high degree of suspicion on the part of the medical practitioner. I think patients play an important role as well. They should not be complacent and say it’s a normal fever,” Dr Koh added.

Dr Zulkifli urged clinicians to keep their differential diagnoses open. “You cannot make a diagnosis just by looking at the patient or asking questions. That’s why the NS1 test is useful — it’s simple, available, and provides results within minutes for a small fee,” he said.

“What we encourage is for all doctors who have that (NS1 antigen test) in stock to use it early. It’s easier to manage when you can detect early because you know when to intervene by looking at subsequent blood tests,” he added.

Dengue No Longer Seasonal, With Cases Every Day

Dr Zulkifli said dengue is no longer confined to outbreaks every few years.

“In the early 80s, when I first started work, we used to see dengue as a seasonal thing which occurs every four years. We used to joke how it coincided with the World Cup. But of late, it hasn’t been every four years. Every year there’s dengue, and it’s not just here — Thailand, the Philippines, Indonesia are all saying the same thing.

“And when you look at the map, you look at dengue, you look at the red spots, it was originally from Southeast Asia, and now it’s everywhere. It’s in South Asia, you can see it in Miami, you can see it in Brazil, so the whole world is almost red now. That’s how it has spread and that’s why even the World Health Organization (WHO) listed dengue as one of the 10 threats to global health in 2019,” Dr Zulkifli said.

Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi, clinical microbiologist at Universiti Putra Malaysia, described dengue as a “hyper-endemic”, noting that cases occur daily across the country — not just during perceived outbreaks.

“We see cases every day. Every now and then, you will see outbreaks. I think that is the misconception you see, that outbreak is what you perceive as seasonal. I hope that will correct the misconception,” Dr Zamberi said.

Vaccination: An Important Shield Against Severe Dengue

Dr Zamberi, who also chairs the Dengue Vaccine Position Paper committee, said vaccination remains a vital tool in the fight against severe dengue.

He highlighted TAK-003, a dengue vaccine currently available in private clinics and hospitals in Malaysia, which has demonstrated over 80 per cent effectiveness in preventing symptomatic dengue and more than 95 per cent effectiveness in reducing hospitalisation within the first year after vaccination.

“This vaccine has a strong safety profile, backed by 4.5 years of clinical study,” Dr Zamberi said. Common side effects include mild pain or redness at the injection site, while serious adverse reactions such as anaphylaxis are extremely rare. Patients are advised to remain at the clinic for at least 15 minutes after vaccination for observation.

TAK-003 has been used in several dengue-endemic countries, including Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam. In East Kalimantan, Indonesia, over 8,800 school children have received the vaccine. In Vietnam, one vaccination centre recorded 150,000 doses administered nationwide within just three months.

“Vaccination doesn’t just help prevent symptomatic dengue, it helps keep people out of hospitals,” Dr Zamberi said. “Everyone aged four and above should seriously consider getting protected.”

When asked by CodeBlue about plans to include the dengue vaccine in Malaysia’s National Immunisation Programme (NIP), Dr Zulkifli said there is no current update. He acknowledged that vaccine adoption in Malaysia has historically taken time, citing delays in the inclusion of pneumococcal and rotavirus vaccines.

However, he and other panelists continued to encourage uptake of the dengue vaccine to build community protection and support efforts to reduce severe disease burden.

This was the central message at the launch of the “End Dengue Deaths (ENDD)” campaign, spearheaded by Dengue Prevention Advocacy Malaysia (DPAM) in partnership with Immunise4Life (IFL). The event was officiated by Dr. Ismuni Bohari, Deputy Director-General of Health (Public Health), on behalf of Deputy Health Minister Dato’ Lukanisman Bin Awang Sauni.

Collective action for zero dengue deaths

Dengue remains a major public health issue in Malaysia. In 2023, it ranked third among communicable diseases, following COVID-19 and Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (HFMD). In 2024, the Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 122,323 dengue cases and 117 deaths — a slight drop in cases but a 17% increase in deaths compared to the previous year. This led to a rise in the case-fatality rate, reinforcing the need to sustain and improve prevention and management efforts.

Over the years, the MoH has employed various strategies to combat dengue, including advanced technologies, community involvement, and strict enforcement. The iDengue portal, launched in 2012, continues to provide vital updates on case numbers, hotspot locations, and mosquito control operations. In high-risk areas, Pest Control Operators (PCOs) conduct larviciding and space spraying. A more recent measure — releasing Wolbachia-infected Aedes mosquitoes — has successfully reduced dengue cases by 50–80% in ten localities.

Professor Datuk Dr. Zulkifli Ismail, Chairman of both DPAM and IFL, acknowledged the MoH’s ongoing efforts but stressed the importance of support from civil society and the private sector. He said every dengue death is preventable and that with collective commitment, Malaysia can achieve the WHO’s goal of zero preventable dengue deaths by 2030.

Prevention, control and management

Dr. Zulkifli said DPAM aims to align stakeholders’ efforts to help the MoH meet national and global dengue targets by strengthening prevention, control, and case management. He explained that the group promotes a comprehensive approach that covers epidemiology, vector management, environmental control, clinical care, diagnostics, and vaccination.

He noted DPAM’s initiatives include educating healthcare professionals through workshops and policy engagement through efforts such as the DPAM Resolution Paper and a joint policy recommendation with the Selangor Public Health Advisory Council (SELPHAC). With the launch of the ENDD campaign, he said the focus is now on empowering the public to take action.

Scale of danger dengue brings to community

At the launch, attendees heard accounts from dengue survivors and their families. One recurring theme: dengue often affects multiple family members at once.

A woman named Julaikha, who contracted dengue at age six, had to stay with her aunt while both her parents were hospitalized — her mother critically ill in the ICU. She recalled being too young to grasp the danger but deeply affected by the separation.

Another speaker, Jovita, was hospitalized with elevated liver enzymes due to dengue, while her mother was in the ICU with multi-organ failure. Although both survived, she described the experience as physically and emotionally exhausting.

Firdaus shared the most devastating story, recounting how he lost both parents to dengue within days. He warned that dengue is not just a fever — it can destroy families.

These stories served as stark reminders that dengue is a serious, potentially fatal disease that should not be underestimated.

Being safe from dengue

Dr. Benedict Sim, an infectious disease consultant representing the Malaysian Society of Infection Control and Infectious Diseases (MyICID), said dengue can affect anyone and remains difficult to treat in its severe form. He noted that even with the best medical care, outcomes can be fatal — making prevention critical.

He also addressed common misconceptions, explaining that prior infection does not offer full protection due to the existence of multiple dengue virus serotypes. In fact, reinfection can increase the risk of severe illness. Contrary to belief, he added, young and healthy adults are not immune — nearly 45% of dengue deaths in 2023 occurred in individuals aged 20 to 49.

Dr. Koh Kar Chai, ENDD Campaign Chairman, reiterated the four simple steps every Malaysian should take: eliminate mosquito breeding grounds, prevent bites, get vaccinated, and seek early treatment when symptoms arise. He said these actions, combined with government policies and vector control, can break the transmission cycle.

Protection through vaccination

Professor Dr. Zamberi Sekawi, Chair of the Dengue Vaccine Position Paper, described vaccination as a vital tool against severe dengue. He said the TAK-003 vaccine, available in private clinics and hospitals, has shown over 80% effectiveness in preventing symptomatic infection and more than 95% effectiveness in preventing hospitalisation during the first year after vaccination. The vaccine, supported by 4.5 years of clinical data, has a strong safety record.

Common side effects are mild, such as pain or redness at the injection site, while serious reactions like anaphylaxis are rare. Recipients are advised to remain in the clinic for 15 minutes post-vaccination for monitoring.

Dr. Zamberi also shared that TAK-003 is already in use in dengue-endemic countries such as Indonesia, Brazil, and Vietnam. In East Kalimantan, Indonesia, over 8,800 schoolchildren were vaccinated by October 2024. In Vietnam, one centre recorded 150,000 doses administered within three months nationwide.

He urged all Malaysians aged four and above to consider vaccination, noting that it not only reduces symptomatic cases but also keeps people out of hospitals.

DPAM is urging the media, civil society, and the public to help amplify the ENDD campaign and drive collective action to save lives.

Despite this improvement, dengue cases from January to mid-February 2025 reached 43,732, a 56% increase from the same period last year. However, the case fatality ratio dropped to 0.38% from 0.42%, indicating effective diagnosis and treatment.

Related: Warning Signs of Dengue that Demand Emergency Attention 

More than half of the cases are concentrated in CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362), with 17 local government units identified as hotspots. The DOH is working closely with local authorities, providing test kits, reactivating Dengue fast lanes in hospitals, and supporting intensified vector control efforts.

Children aged 5 to 14 are the most affected, prompting health officials to urge parents to use protective measures such as mosquito repellents, long clothing, and nets. Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa reminded the public to eliminate mosquito breeding sites and seek early consultation, noting that PhilHealth covers dengue-related expenses.

The committees combined are the Cabinet Committee on Dengue Control, the Cabinet Committee on the National Malaysia Health Agenda (ANMS), and the Special Committee on Combating the Double Burden of Child Malnutrition.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said the decision was made during the first meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Dengue Control in 2025, which he chaired today.

“The meeting decided to restructure the existing governance of the Cabinet Committees under the Health Ministry, which includes the merger of three Cabinet Committees within the ministry. This committee will be known as the National Health Cabinet Committee, which will meet three times a year,” he said in a statement today.

Ahmad Zahid added that there were 122,423 cases of dengue fever and 117 deaths last year, representing a 0.6 per cent decrease in cases and a 17 per cent increase in fatalities compared to 2023. He said the number of cases reported at the start of 2024 exceeded 3,000 cases per week.

“However, there is a positive development with a downward trend in cases starting from Epidemiological Week 29 (20 July 2024). Currently, the weekly average of cases has significantly decreased to around 1,200 to 1,500 cases per week and is below the five-year median,” he said.

As of Epidemiological Week 04 (Jan 25, 2025), a cumulative total of 5,537 dengue cases and three deaths have been recorded, compared to 14,458 cases and nine deaths during the same period last year, reflecting a 61.7 per cent decrease in dengue cases and a 66.7 per cent reduction in deaths.

“This reduction is the result of the integrated efforts of various parties, including ministries, departments, agencies, the private sector, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and the community, who have worked together to ensure that the environment remains free from Aedes mosquito breeding sites,” he said.

He added that several decisions have been made to strengthen the implementation of dengue prevention and control measures through a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach, including the need for all ministries, departments, and agencies to reinforce existing initiatives in dengue prevention and control activities.

“Collaboration between the Disease Control Division (BKP), MOH, and the Malaysian Space Agency (MYSA), Science, Technology, and Innovation Ministry (MOSTI) continues, improving existing systems based on current needs and utilising the latest technology to ensure more effective dengue management.

“We will also continue releasing Aedes mosquitoes infected with Wolbachia, with an additional 10 new localities each year, and expand the initiative to other states. Currently, only eight states are implementing this initiative, namely Selangor, the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, Penang, Kelantan, Melaka, Johor, Pahang, and Negeri Sembilan,” he said.

Source: NST

Health Director-General Datuk Dr Muhammad Radzi Abu Hassan reported that the cumulative number of dengue cases this year has reached 118,291, with 111 deaths, compared to 114,365 cases and 87 deaths during the same period in 2023.

As of ME49, 32 active dengue hotspot localities have been identified. Selangor accounts for the majority with 18 hotspots, followed by four in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya, three each in Negeri Sembilan and Sabah, and two each in Penang and Perak.

Related: Malaysia launches crucial vaxx drive versus dengue

Dr Radzi cautioned that continuous rainfall and flood debris could increase the number of water containers, providing breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes. He called on communities to remain vigilant and take proactive measures, including eliminating potential breeding sites through clean-up activities immediately after floodwaters recede.

The “Dengue and Merdeka” Awareness Event, inaugurated by Puan Nurul Izzah Anwar, highlighted the importance of continuous efforts in combating dengue. Esteemed speakers emphasized the critical role of the new vaccine, which significantly reduces the risk of dengue and hospitalisation. The event also featured educational booths, community engagement activities, and performances, fostering a sense of unity in the fight against dengue. KPJ Damansara’s commitment to public health education is evident as they offer the vaccine at an accessible price, reinforcing the need for proactive health measures.

KPJ announced that the vaccine package starts at RM 220, with a special combo price available at RM 400. For more information, visit https://www.kpjhealth.com.my/damansara/packages/dangue-vaccine-package.

Dengue, often characterized by fever and bone pain in mild cases and severe manifestations involving shock, bleeding, and sometimes fatal outcomes in more serious cases, is a global health concern. The virus comprises four distinct serotypes, all of which can cause illness, with the most severe cases frequently linked to secondary infections.

The vaccine, known as TV005, demonstrated safety and immune responsiveness in a three-year study involving almost 200 volunteers of different age groups. Although the study wasn’t primarily focused on efficacy, no dengue cases were observed among vaccinated individuals, bringing the vaccine closer to broader use.

The groundbreaking research conducted by icddr,b and UVM marks the first study of dengue vaccines in Bangladesh. This collaborative initiative, known as the “Dengue in Dhaka Initiative (DIDI),” was launched in 2015 with the aim of advancing dengue vaccine development in Bangladesh. As part of this effort, clinical trials and laboratory infrastructure were established at icddr,b in 2015, including a preliminary study on dengue prevalence.

Additional studies are underway globally, including those led by the DIDI team, to further evaluate the efficacy, durability, and immune responses of tetravalent dengue vaccines. With the rising dengue threat, the hope is that this vaccine will benefit Bangladesh and South Asia. This achievement adds to the ongoing efforts by various pharmaceutical companies to develop tetravalent dengue vaccines, offering hope in the fight against this mosquito-borne disease.

Source: icddrb

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