Hot weather and sudden rainfall have increased the risk of dengue transmission in Johor, prompting authorities to urge residents to eliminate stagnant water and maintain clean surroundings.
Caretaker state health and environment committee chairman Ling Tian Soon said dengue cases in Johor have surged, with the state recording a year-high of 268 infections between May 10 and 16.
He said the figure marked the highest weekly dengue tally recorded in the state so far this year.
Ling added that recent weather conditions have created a favourable environment for Aedes mosquitoes to breed, further increasing the risk of dengue spread across Johor.
He noted that Johor Bahru remains the worst-affected area, recording 217 cases, or 81% of the total infections reported during the week.
Kulai recorded the second-highest number of cases with 27, followed by Kluang with 12 cases and Pontian with six.
Despite the increase in infections, Ling confirmed that no dengue-related deaths were reported during the week under review.
However, he said the cumulative number of dengue deaths in Johor this year stands at two cases.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and take active steps to prevent mosquito breeding, stressing that cleanliness in residential areas is key to controlling the spread.
Residents were reminded to ensure no stagnant water collects in containers, drains, flower pots and other potential breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes.
Ling also encouraged communities to carry out regular gotong-royong clean-up activities at least once a week to reduce breeding sites.
He added that public cooperation is crucial in curbing dengue cases, especially in hotspots that continue to report high infection numbers.
Those experiencing symptoms such as fever, fatigue or joint pain were advised to seek immediate medical attention for early detection and treatment.
