HEALTH authorities in Sabah are on high alert following a confirmed case of melioidosis at the Tanjung Aru rugby field near Kota Kinabalu.
Sabah Health Director Datuk Dr Asits Sana said the matter was brought to light on March 11 when an individual, wounded during a rugby session at the field, sought medical attention.
“Soil samples have been taken at the rugby field based on the movements of the patient who played rugby. One of the samples tested positive for the bacterium pseudomallei, the agent which causes melioidosis,” he said in a statement today.
The Sabah Health Department made this information public after a widely shared social media post announcing the closure of the field to prevent the spread of the infectious disease.
A total of 44 cases of melioidosis have been reported in Sabah this year, marking a 12.8% increase from 2023.
Six districts reported the most cases, with Sandakan recording the highest, followed by Kota Kinabalu, Papar, Penampang, Sipitang, and Keningau.
Melioidosis is caused by infection with the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, commonly found in soil and water surfaces.
Symptoms include fever, joint pain, cough, chest pain, skin ulcers, pus, headache, loss of appetite, and overall fatigue. – The Vibes, April 13, 2024
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