The United States embassy in Malaysia warned its citizens Friday to watch out for the dengue-carrying Aedes mosquito as the number of deaths and cases reported looked set to hit record levels.

"Because the number of dengue cases has significantly exceeded expected levels, and due to the fact that we are just now entering the rainy season, we recommend that you take measures to prevent the presence of the Aedes mosquito around your house or building," it said in a statement.

"The US embassy in Kuala Lumpur is closely monitoring the current outbreak of dengue fever," it said, citing a Malaysian government announcement on September 29 that it was on "high alert" over the outbreak.

74 deaths this year

Fatalities from dengue in Malaysia reached record levels in 2004, when 102 people died, and the Health Ministry has warned the toll could be higher this year if efforts are not stepped up to eradicate the virus-carrying mosquito.

Latest official figures released Monday showed Malaysia had confirmed 74 dengue deaths in the first nine months of this year, compared to 72 deaths over the same period in 2004.

A number of states in recent weeks have recorded a doubling or tripling of dengue cases reported.