Alert as cases believed on rise
Published on: Monday, June 24, 2024
Dr Asits said the Tenom district health office first identified an increase in gastroenteritis cases in the district on June 4.
PENAMPANG: A circular carrying a Penampang Health Office letterhead dated June 21 went viral in social media alerting residents here of a rising Acute Gastroentiritis (AGE) cases in the district, after Tawau and Tenom.
According to the letter, the Contagious Disease Control Unit (CDC) of Penampang Health Office (PKK) sought the cooperation of the Penampang Health Clinic and all private clinics in the district to report AGE cases to it via a google link or scan QR code in an attachment enclosed in the letter.
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The letter, suspected meant only for staff, also urged increased health education awareness including hand hygiene and to cook water before drinking especially from the filtered water source, whether from a water dispensing that sells water or water dispensers installed at houses/residences.
The Sabah Health Department had yet to confirm authenticity of the viral letter.
Rotavirus infection is an intestinal infection in children, with symptoms such as diarrhoea, vomiting and fever, which can lead to dehydration.
If prompt treatment is not provided, it can be fatal. Preventive measures include maintaining personal hygiene, frequent handwashing, cooking food properly and thoroughly, using safe and clean water, drinking boiled water and seeking immediate treatment if experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea.
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On Saturday (June 22), RTM reported that the Department confirmed 82 residents in Tawau have been infected with AGE since June 18.
Tawau Area Health Officer, Dr Shameer Khan Sulaiman, was quoted as saying that all patients received outpatient treatment and the cause of the increase in cases is still under investigation.
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He said one of the possible causes was a piped water leak in Jalan Bunga Raya area that happened on June 15 and action has been taken to repair the damage.
Dr Shameer said they are investigating the real cause and will take samples from treated water, samples taken from house to house, food premises and ice factories.
Last week, State health director Dr Asits Sanna said they suspected contaminated water led to a spate of AGE cases in Tenom district.
He said 191 residents in the Tenom had fallen sick, with 37 admitted to hospital.
Dr Asits said the Tenom district health office first identified an increase in gastroenteritis cases in the district on June 4.
“Samples had been collected to identify the cause of the outbreak.
“So far, 19 clinical samples have been collected from those admitted to Tenom Hospital, with 16 testing positive for rotavirus,” Dr Asits said.
The Sabah water department was notified to take action by monitoring the chlorination of treated water in the area.
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