Kota Kinabalu: Sabah is recording an increasing trend in dengue cases.
According to the Sabah Health Department website, 3,308 dengue cases and three deaths were reported as of Aug 29.
Kota Kinabalu recorded the highest number of 898 cases, followed by Sandakan (725 cases), Tawau (315), Lahad Datu (243), Putatan (221), Semporna (205), Penampang (145) and Papar (137). Four hotspots have been identified, namely Tinusa Dua (Darat) in Sandakan, JK02 Taman Semarak Loji Tawau, Taman Pasir Putih PH 3B Putatan and Taman Limauan Papar.
A total of 10 areas were listed under the “uncontrolled” outbreak category, including four in Sandakan, five in Kota Kinabalu and one in Putatan. Sabah MCA Chief Lu Yen Tung said with the Kepayan area being among the worst, it was vital for Kepayan people to take a more serious approach to prevent the dengue virus from spreading.
“We have been trying to hold gotong-royong but every time we did not many people took part,” he said.
He said many do not realise the importance of keeping their surroundings clean and clear from mosquito breeding grounds to prevent the spread of dengue.
Lu said the Aedes mosquitoes bring the virus and when a person is hit with the virus, he could suffer serious health complications and even die.
“Let us all be more proactive in keeping our surroundings clean,” he said.
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