Dengue fever cases have soared in Sabah.
According to State Secretary Datuk Seri Safar Untong, the number of dengue cases in Sabah has tripled up to the 42nd week of this year compared to the same period last year.
The situation was concerning, with 4,812 cases registered up to the 42nd week of this year, compared to 1,336 cases in the same period previous year.
So far this year, five people have died as a result of dengue fever in Sabah, three of them in Sandakan and one each in Papar and Tawau.
Sandakan had the largest number of dengue cases (1,394) as of October 22, followed by Kota Kinabalu (1,155 cases), Tawau (387), Lahad Datu (349), and Putatan (344).
Throughout Sabah, 74 active outbreak sites were identified, each with 11 outbreak hotspots, 11 uncontrolled outbreaks, and 52 controlled outbreaks, involving seven districts: Sandakan, Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Lahad Datu, Kudat, Penampang, and Pitas.
On October 27, the Sabah government met with the state Dengue Special Task Force Committee to examine the very concerning situation.
People are recommended to take preventive steps such as cleaning the outside and inside of their homes, spraying aerosols, applying insect repellants on a regular basis, and scouring water collection containers once a week.
Individuals having dengue fever symptoms, particularly children and those with comorbidities, are urged to seek early treatment at the nearest clinic or hospital to avoid the risk of dengue haemorrhagic fever complications.
The Sabah government will always monitor related concerns and take suitable actions in collaboration with the ministries and agencies involved to address the danger of dengue fever outbreaks.
