Putrajaya's dengue cases plummet 36% after Wolbachia mosquito breakthrough

Putrajaya has seen a significant drop in dengue cases this year, thanks to new mosquito control methods. Local authorities are now looking to expand these efforts to high-risk housing areas. The move comes as traditional measures struggle to keep up with urban dengue challenges. Since 2020, Wolbachia technology has been used in high-risk parts of Putrajaya, including Precinct 14 and Precinct 18. By April 2026, over 588,800 treated mosquitoes had been released in Precinct 14 alone. In Precinct 18, another 554,400 were introduced since October 2025.

The results have been promising. Dengue cases in the city fell by 36.2% from January to April 2026 compared to the same period last year. Officials report that the Wolbachia mosquito population in Precinct 18 is now stabilising, suggesting the method is working. With conventional approaches proving less effective in crowded urban areas, the Federal Territories Department is reviewing budget allocations for dengue control. Plans are also underway to extend Wolbachia technology to People’s Housing Projects (PPR) and other public housing zones with high infection rates.

The success of Wolbachia technology has made Putrajaya safer for residents, particularly children. Further expansion into vulnerable housing areas could reduce dengue risks even more. Authorities remain focused on refining strategies to keep the city’s dengue numbers low.