Ten-year mortality study of dengue in Malaysia

Objectives: Understanding the factors that contribute to dengue deaths is crucial for developing effective interventions and improving public health strategies. This study aims to determine the dengue mortality rate in Malaysia from 2012 to 2021. Methods: All dengue-related death data were obtained from the Department of Statistics Malaysia and were examined from 2012 to 2021. Results: A total of 1641 dengue-related deaths were identified. The average annual crude mortality rate was 0.5 deaths per 100,000 population, with the highest rate in 2015 at 1.1 deaths per 100,000 population. The central and southern regions had the highest age-adjusted mortality rates. Older age groups had higher mortality rates than younger individuals. Conclusions: Dengue remains a significant public health challenge in Malaysia. It is essential to prioritize older individuals and urban areas in addressing this issue.