Dengue deaths up in M'sia

Deaths from dengue fever have nearly tripled in Malaysia this year compared to the same period last year.

The deaths have sparked a stepped-up campaign to control the mosquitos which spread the virus.

As of this week, 22 people have died from dengue this year, compared to eight deaths over the same period last year, Health Minister S. Subramaniam told AFP yesterday.

At the current pace, the numbers would surpass 2010, the deadliest year on record. That year, 134 people died from an illness which the World Health Organisation calls one of the fastest-growing viral threats globally.

A total of 11,879 dengue cases in Malaysia had been reported as of Monday, up nearly four-fold from the same period last year.