Sabah records an increase of dengue cases; highest reported in Tawau

By Olivia Miwil - January 9, 2019 @ 12:09pm

(File pix) A total of 3,423 dengue cases were recorded last year, an increase of 863 cases compared the to 2,560 cases in 2017. Pix by Shahnaz Fazlie Shahrizal

KOTA KINABALU: A total of 3,423 dengue cases were recorded last year, an increase of 863 cases compared the to 2,560 cases in 2017.

State Health director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi said a total of 2,560 cases were recorded in 2017.

“Last year, the top four districts (with highest dengue cases) are Kota Kinabalu, Tawau, Sandakan and Lahad Datu,” she said when contacted.

Tawau recorded 771 cases, followed by Kota Kinabalu (735 cases), Sandakan 409 and Lahad Datu 335 throughout last year.

Dr Christina said 29 death cases were also reported.

Dengue is a viral disease transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the Aedes aegypti species.

The infection has similar flu-like illness and occasionally develops into a life threatening complications or death.

There is no specific treatment for the disease but early detection and medical care are required to prevent complications.

Among the preventive measures include getting rid of mosquito breeding sites, as well as usage of personal household protection such as window screens, insecticide treated materials and mosquito coils.