SUNGAI PETANI: A total of 513 cases of dengue fever were recorded in Kedah from Jan to May 6 this year – an increase of 67.1 per cent compared with the corresponding period last year.
State Health director Datuk Dr Norhizan Ismail said three deaths due to dengue were recorded during the same period – one case in Kulim and two cases in Kuala Muda.
In the case of chikungunya, a total of 128 cases were recorded in the state during the same period this year. Dr Norhizan said cases were reported in three districts, namely Kuala Muda (58), Baling (69) and Kulim (one).
He said among the factors contributing to the increase in dengue and chikungunya cases in the state is an increase in population density, which has led to the creation of ideal breeding grounds for mosquitoes. -- Bernama