AFRICAN Swine Flu cases have been detected in the Serian district in southern Sarawak, while mosquito-borne Japanese Encephalitis in the Mukah district in central Sarawak.
The latest developments have placed the Federal Health Ministry and Sarawak health authorities on alert for the prevention of a possible spread.
Deputy Health Minister Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni said his ministry is worried about a possible spread due to the festive season and school holidays.
"We are on alert to prevent a spread as the ASF has been detected in Serian and JE in Mukah.
"We must be prepared for the influx of people during Christmas and the school holidays.
"We are doing all we can as far as preventive measures are concerned.
"We call on the public to exercise precautions," he said after a health event at a college in Miri.
Lukanisman said the Sarawak Veterinary Services Department is carrying out a culling of pigs in Serian.
JE was detected in several farms a few days ago and the authorities are also on a mosquito eradication operation in Mukah. - December 15, 2024
