Deaths from dengue fever in Malaysia have risen this year despite a fall in recorded infections, the Health Ministry said today, blaming increased public apathy and ignorance.

A total of 80 deaths were recorded from January to June, a 29 percent increase from the 62 deaths in the same period last year, Health Minister Liow Tiong Lai said.

Liow said 23,626 infections from the mosquito-borne dengue virus were reported nationwide during the period, a slight dip from 24,817 last year.

"We need to give serious attention to dengue fever because the number of fatalities is on the increase," he was quoted as saying by the official Bernama news agency.

Seek medical attention promptly

Liow said many people were still unaware of the symptoms of dengue, or of the need to seek medical help immediately.

He also said basic hygiene practices in homes and workplaces could help reduce the number of infections.

"I hope the public will seek medical treatment if dengue symptoms are present, and I have also instructed for all doctors to immediately treat dengue patients," he said.

The symptoms of dengue include high fever, rashes, headaches, and muscle and joint pain. The disease can be fatal if treatment is not sought in the early stages of infection.

- dpa