In a statement, the department said there were only 177 cases reported in the first two weeks of January last year, with no deaths recorded.

It said there were five hotspot areas in Penang within the northeast and central Seberang Perai districts.

In the northeast district, dengue cases were reported in Mutiara Idaman, Jelutong and Jermal Court, not far from Gurney Drive.

On the mainland, cases were reported in Taman Machang Bubok Zon E, and Taman Desa Damai from Lorong Nangka 2 to 12.

Taman Machang Bubok Zone E recorded the highest number of cases at 26, followed by Taman Desa Damai at 24 and Mutiara Idaman at 14.

There are also 65 other areas throughout the state which have seen a spike in dengue cases.

Four of these are classified as “uncontrolled epidemic”. The areas – Taman Pauh, Taman Permata Indah, Perai Customs Quarters, and Apartmen Permata Zon C – are all on the mainland.

The department advised anyone experiencing fever and other signs of dengue such as muscle or joint aches, vomiting, rashes and lack of appetite to visit the nearest clinic or hospital for treatment.

It also urged households to clean up areas which could be breeding grounds for Aedes mosquitoes, saying anti-larvae solutions are available at government clinics.

It discouraged outdoor activities and advised those venturing outdoors to apply mosquito repellent and wear loose clothing which covers all body parts.

In Komtar, state health committee chairman Dr Afif Bahardin said local governments had been told to intensify clean-up efforts to reduce the number of dengue cases.

He said special focus would be given to illegal dumping sites and open breeding grounds for mosquito larvae.

He added that nine hotspots had been detected in the state, mostly in residential areas.