Three of Malaysia's 13 states recorded a sharp increase in the number of cases and deaths caused by the mosquito-borne dengue fever this year, news reports said Sunday.
Central Selangor state, with the highest number of cases, combined with the northern states of Penang and Kedah to make up 71 per cent of the total 4,221 cases and 12 fatalities recorded nationwide since January 1, the Star daily reported.
The figures were almost triple the 1,514 cases and four deaths recorded in the same period last year, dpa reported.
"I hope everyone will cooperate with us to get the situation under control," said Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai.
On Monday, Malaysia's health ministry raised a health alert following the increase in dengue cases, calling local councils and the public to work together.
The symptoms of dengue, which is carried by the aedes mosquito, include high fever, rashes, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. If not detected and treated early, the disease can be fatal.
The government has been holding campaigns to educate the public as well as conduct checks for mosquito-breeding sites on residential and construction sites to try to stem dengue cases.
Despite the efforts, the number of cases and deaths continues to rise each year.