Malaysia : Fewer infections but more are dying from Dengue

An detailed and informative article on the current dengue situation in Malaysia. From the News Straits Times :

" The death toll from dengue is climbing despite the efforts of the Health Ministry to contain the scourge.

Two more people died of the disease last week in Perak and Malacca. Both died of dengue shock syndrome. Last week also saw 790 new cases of dengue fever and dengue haemorrhagic fever reported nationwide.

Expressing concern, Health director-general Tan Sri Dr Ismail Merican said many cases were reported in Negri Sembilan, Sarawak, Johor, Pahang, Perak and Kelantan.

Up to May 1 this year, 16,455 people were afflicted with dengue with 56 deaths, compared with 18,401 cases and 43 deaths during the same period last year.

Dr Ismail said Selangor topped the list with 7,769 cases and 27 deaths followed by Kuala Lumpur/Putrajaya (1,896 cases and four deaths), Sarawak (1,852 cases and six deaths), Johor (1,003 cases and three deaths), Negri Sembilan (728 cases and three deaths), Sabah (656 cases and one death), Perak (584 cases and two deaths), Pahang (420 cases and one death), Kelantan (396 cases and two deaths), Penang (382 cases and two deaths), Terengganu (332 cases), Kedah (212 cases and two deaths), Malacca (173 cases and three deaths), Perlis (44 cases), and Labuan (eight cases)."