Malaysia

High number of acute respiratory infections detected among flood evacuees in Sabah, Sarawak

Nearly 9,400 flood victims were examined at various evacuation centres in both states

Updated 1 year ago · Published on 03 Feb 2025 6:59PM

High number of acute respiratory infections detected among flood evacuees in Sabah, Sarawak
Mental health teams have also been deployed, with doctors, psychologists, and paramedics on-site to assist evacuees.- February 3, 2025

by Jason Santos

MORE than 800 evacuees have been detected with some form of illness following health screenings by the Ministry of Health at evacuation centres in Sabah and Sarawak.

Nearly 9,400 flood victims were examined at various evacuation centres in both states, with respiratory infections making up the bulk of the cases.

“In total, 671 cases of acute respiratory infections have been recorded, along with 82 skin infections, 37 cases of acute gastroenteritis, 17 cases of conjunctivitis, and one case of hand, foot, and mouth disease,” the ministry said in a statement. 

Health officials say there were no signs of chickenpox, typhoid, leptospirosis, or Covid-19 spreading in the centres to date.

Mental health teams have also been deployed, with doctors, psychologists, and paramedics on-site to assist evacuees.

In Sarawak, 22 out of 30 health facilities affected by the floods have reopened. In Sabah, all 27 impacted facilities are now back in operation.

Sarawak has sent 37 medical and 30 health teams to assist evacuees, while Sabah has mobilised 16 medical and 27 health teams across the state.

“So far, no one has been flagged for mental health conditions requiring hospitalisation,” the ministry said.

The government is urging evacuees to maintain hygiene, follow instructions from the authorities, and stay prepared for possible evacuation orders.

Officials say anyone struggling emotionally should seek help immediately.

“With collective efforts, we aim to keep everyone safe and healthy during this difficult time,” the ministry added. - February 3, 2025


 

Related News

Malaysia / 21h

Sarawak seeks China collaboration to fix growing doctor shortage

Malaysia / 4d

Sabah embarks on five-year initiative to document multiethnic heritage - Hajiji

World / 5d

Trump's health: Weighs 108kg, heart age 14 years younger, hands bruised from frequent handshakes – Doctor

Malaysia / 5d

Anwar - Sabah's special grant interim payment increased from RM600m to RM1.5b

Malaysia / 5d

Anwar to clarify Sabah 40 pct entitlement talks tomorrow

Malaysia / 6d

Sabah: GRS confident government will agree to review revenue entitlement rate 

Spotlight

Malaysia

Former head of a ministry's corporate communications unit acquitted of bribery charge

Malaysia

Two sisters die trapped in Johor house fire as escape routes cut off by flames

Malaysia

NS election speculation intensifies as Aminuddin granted audience with state ruler

Malaysia

Teenager who drove recklessly, causing death remanded for further investigation

Malaysia

Police looking for trio involved in violent armed robbery in Penang (video)

Malaysia

Family of five killed as car crashes into water pipe in Serian

Malaysia

'I was once spat on by a pakcik' — Marina denies fear of contesting Malay-majority seats

Malaysia

Jewellery shop among six premises destroyed in fire (video)

You may be interested

Malaysia

Woman jailed over abduction, extortion and forced nudity case as three admit guilt

Malaysia

Teen mothers must return to school, says Fadhlina as education remains priority

Malaysia

JPJ probes couple ‘manja’ incident in car, summons to be issued (video)

Malaysia

Baby boy thrown from car in AMJ highway crash survives

Malaysia

Fuel prices fall as Malaysia warns of prolonged global oil supply risks

Malaysia

Ex-employee held over RM83,000 theft of phones, apple watches and cash

Malaysia

Speaker submits notice of dissolution of Johor DUN to EC

Malaysia

Penang water tariffs to increase from July 1 after year-long deferment