PUTRAJAYA, The number of dengue fever cases decreased to 2,515 in the 31st Epidemiological Week (ME31) from July 28 to Aug 3, compared to 2,609 the previous week, with five deaths reported due to complications. The Health Ministry (MOH), in a statement, said the cumulative dengue fever cases reported up to ME31 was 88,255 compared to 71,193 during the same period last year. 'A total of 78 deaths due to dengue fever complications have been reported compared to 49 deaths for the same period in 2023,' it said. According to MOH, some 95 hotspot localities were reported in ME31 compared to 96 the previous week. Of the 95 localities reported, 75 were in Selangor, six in Negeri Sembilan, five in Perak, three each in the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya and Sabah, two in Kedah and one in Penang. For chikungunya surveillance, MOH said one case was recorded in ME31, bringing the cumulative total to 63. As for Zika surveillance, the ministry said that 1,605 blood samples, eight urine samples and three cerebrospinal fluid samples were screened, all of which tested negative. MOH said that community participation in dengue prevention activities is crucial and is one key strategy for controlling the disease. One way is through voluntary participation in the Communication for Behavioural Impact (COMBI) programme introduced by the World Health Organisation in 2001. As of July this year, 3,426 COMBI localities have been registered nationwide, with a membership of 32,768 individuals. Source: BERNAMA News Agency