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Malaysia's dengue-related deaths rise nearly 70% in first half of 2026

Health authorities attributed the increase partly to a shift in the dominant dengue virus strain from DENV-2 to DENV-3. Rapid urbanisation, favourable weather conditions, mosquito breeding sites and increased population mobility have also contributed to the spread of the disease.

An Aedes aegypti mosquito. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)
An Aedes aegypti mosquito. (Photo: Xinhua/VNA)

Kuala Lumpur (VNA) – Malaysia recorded a sharp rise in dengue cases and related deaths in the first half of 2026, with fatalities increasing 66.7% and infections rising nearly 30% year-on-year.

The country reported 38,854 dengue cases as of June 27, up 29.1% from the same period last year. Dengue-related deaths rose from 18 to 30 over the same period.

Health authorities attributed the increase partly to a shift in the dominant dengue virus strain from DENV-2 to DENV-3. Rapid urbanisation, favourable weather conditions, mosquito breeding sites and increased population mobility have also contributed to the spread of the disease.

A spokesperson for Malaysia's Ministry of Health said public health interventions are based on epidemiological data and scientific evidence. Current assessments indicate that the situation remains consistent with the country's normal dengue transmission cycle, with most new cases concentrated in rapidly developing states where construction activities create favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes.

The ministry has instructed state and district health authorities to intensify fogging operations in hotspot areas and expand public awareness campaigns encouraging residents to eliminate mosquito breeding sites. It is also strengthening disease surveillance through digital technologies that integrate climate, rainfall, temperature and geospatial data to identify high-risk areas and detect transmission patterns at an early stage.

It urged the public to remove standing water around homes, maintain environmental hygiene and seek prompt medical attention if dengue symptoms develop./.

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