Dengue cases hit 55,855, surpassing last year’s full-year total

KUALA LUMPUR, 13 AUGUST 2026 —

Health experts warn El Nino and the DENV-3 strain will fuel further outbreaks, with at least 456 cases a day at present.

Warmer El Nino temperatures speed mosquito development and viral replication, said public healthcare specialist Prof Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh of Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

“Malaysia is hyperendemic because all four dengue serotypes now circulate,” she said.

DENV-3 has become the dominant strain and lacks cross-protection from earlier infections, she added.

“Those previously infected with DENV-1 or DENV-2 remain vulnerable to DENV-3, which can trigger severe immune responses and dengue haemorrhagic fever.”

Prof Sharifa Ezat urged weekly neighbourhood checks for breeding sites and immediate medical help if fever, rashes, bleeding, muscle pain or headaches appear.

“Severe cases may need IV fluids, platelet or plasma transfusions,” she said. “Young children, pregnant women and the elderly face the highest risk.”

The tetravalent dengue vaccine Qdenga is available at selected private clinics and covers all four serotypes, she added.

Virologist Dr Sazaly Abu Bakar of Universiti Malaya said DENV-2 had been dominant until now, providing some protection.

“DENV-3 carries no immunity and prior DENV-2 infection can worsen a subsequent DENV-3 case, raising severe dengue risk,” he said.

“Untreated severe dengue carries high mortality,” Dr Sazaly warned, calling for more staff training, ICU supplies and beds.

While cases are unlikely to hit the 120,000-plus recorded in 2023 and 2024, such levels could return in 2026 or 2027, he said.

Public health medicine specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar advised the public to spend 10 minutes weekly destroying breeding sites and to keep water containers sealed.

Additional measures include using repellent, wearing long sleeves and trousers during the day, and covering exposed skin when outdoors.