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

Dengue cases in Putrajaya have dropped by over a third in early 2026. The decline follows the use of Wolbachia technology, a method now proving effective in controlling mosquito populations. Local authorities are calling it a major step toward a safer, healthier city for residents and children alike. Since October 2025, Putrajaya Corporation has released 554,400 Wolbachia-carrying mosquitoes in Precinct 18. The area has now entered the 'sustain phase', meaning the modified mosquito population is self-maintaining. This follows an earlier rollout in Precinct 14, where 588,800 mosquitoes were released starting in 2020, and the programme has since moved into the maintenance phase.

The results are clear: dengue cases from January to April 2026 fell by 36.2% compared to the same period last year. Officials attribute this drop directly to the Wolbachia programme, which prevents mosquitoes from transmitting the virus. Traditional methods alone, such as fogging and public awareness campaigns, have struggled to keep up with dengue risks in crowded urban zones. Encouraged by the success, the Federal Territories Department is now reviewing budget plans. Expanding the technology to other high-risk areas is under serious consideration. The goal is to build on current progress and further reduce dengue transmission across the city.

The Wolbachia programme has shown measurable success in cutting dengue cases in Putrajaya. With two precincts now in sustained or maintenance phases, the technology is proving its long-term potential. Authorities remain focused on extending these efforts to protect more communities from the disease.