A meeting of ASEAN Health Ministers in Singapore has announced that the first ASEAN Day of Dengue Fever will be on 15 June 2011.

Malaysian Health Minister stressed that health authorities across the country will be making people aware of the risks of dengue and to ensure that cases of dengue are prevented.   

As per the official reports, the number of people who have died due to dengue has reached 91 and almost 26,927 cases of dengue fever have been reported this year till July 21. This is more than last year when only 88 deaths were reported due to dengue fever last year.  

The number of people affected by dengue fever has also increased by 60% in the last year in Thailand. The number of dengue cases has also increased significantly in the Philippines and Indonesia.

Health experts have warned that people need to be made aware of this disease and feel that authorities also need to be ready to deal with any problem arising out of this disease.  

The rainy season also provides ideal breeding conditions to mosquitoes and it can also increase the number of dengue cases.

People are also being urged to ensure that they maintain clean surroundings and to contact a doctor if they encounter symptoms of dengue fever.