PENAMPANG: Seven new measles cases were reported in the district in just two weeks into 2024.
State Health Department Director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said this brings the total number of cases to 52 since late 2023.
He said as many as 65 per cent of the patients were non-citizens. The age range for the highest number of cases are between 7 and 17 years (46pc), followed by 2-6 years (23pc).
“In most cases (87pc), patients never received immunisation. As many as 27 localities were recorded during the period.
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He said a measles outbreak was reported in Kg Limbanak involving 37 cases, with an epidemiological link to other localities.
“Most of the patients have recovered. There is only one case that required hospitalisation. However, the patient has recovered and has been discharged,” he added.
In order to curb the spread of measles cases in the community, the department, through the Penampang Health Office, actively carries out control activities, including comprehensive case investigations.
Targeted immunisation activities for children is one of them, in addition to health promotion activities.
Measles is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the measles virus.
The disease is very easily transmitted to others through the air by liquid droplets from the mouth and nose when talking, coughing or sneezing.
Measles infection in the community can be prevented by ensuring immunisation coverage is above 95 per cent at all times.
Asits said this would provide protection to the community through the herd immunity effect.
“Therefore, parents are responsible for ensuring their children get complete measles immunization shots,” he stressed.
In Sabah, measles shots are given at the age of 6 months, 9 months and then at the age of 1 year, obtainable at government and private health facilities.
Asists advised symptomatic individuals to practise cough and sneeze etiquette by covering their mouths and washing their hands after to prevent the spread.
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