Dr Murugan S Rajan, Resident Consultant General Medicine and Physician at KPJ Sabah Specialist Hospital, highlights the pressing issue of dengue in Malaysia.
Dengue has become a significant public health concern, particularly in urban areas where high-density populations and rapid development facilitate its transmission.
In his assessment, Dr Rajan points out that dengue cases have been steadily rising in Malaysia, with a notable increase from 32 to 361 cases per 100,000 population between 2000 and 2014.
This trend is especially pronounced in individuals aged 15 and above, and urban areas bear the brunt, accounting for 70-80 per cent of reported cases.
He underscores the importance of public awareness and health education to combat dengue.
While awareness among the public has been improving, Dr Rajan emphasizes the crucial role of healthcare personnel in both the public and private sectors in raising awareness further.
Additionally, Dr Rajan recommends that individuals experiencing dengue symptoms should promptly seek medical attention at the nearest health clinic to prevent complications for themselves and the community.
This emphasis on early detection and intervention aligns with the strategy to mitigate the impact of this persistent and dangerous disease in Malaysia.
