SANDAKAN – The public can still carry out outdoor activities such as exercising and hiking despite the higher number of melioidosis cases in the state this year, said the Sabah Health Department.
Department director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna told Scoop that infection in humans occurs only when contaminated soil or water comes into direct contact with an open wound.
As such, he advised several precautions to be taken, including avoiding contact with contaminated soil and water, especially if they have a skin wound or suffer from chronic diseases such as diabetes or kidney problems.
“Those who work with contaminated sources (soil and water) should wear waterproof shoes. If there is any wound on any part of the body, wash and wrap the wound properly.”
Sabah recorded 44 cases of melioidosis (also known as Whitmore’s disease) in a week, a 12.8% increase from the same period last year, when there were 39 cases.
Six districts with the highest reported cases of melioidosis are Sandakan (12), Kota Kinabalu (11), Papar (5), Penampang (5), and two cases each in Sipitang and Keningau.
He also confirmed one case at the rugby field in Tg Aru, Kota Kinabalu, on March 11, saying that a soil sample in the area was found to be positive for the bacteria Burkholderia pseudomallei, which causes the disease.
“Infection can be transmitted through the respiratory tract (dust or contaminated water droplets), drinking contaminated water, or skin wounds.
“High-risk groups are those who have chronic diseases such as diabetes, liver disease, kidney disease, thalassemia, cancer, or other low immunity conditions,” he said.
Asits told Scoop that there is no vaccine to prevent melioidosis infection, but measures can be taken to reduce the risk.
“If there is no wound, there is a lower risk of infection. When hiking (or doing outdoor exercise), wear long pants or long-sleeved shirts, as well as gloves. If someone falls, there is a lower risk of skin injury.
“It would be best to avoid getting skin injuries when you are outdoors. However, not all soil has this bacteria.”
Asits also advised people to seek immediate medical treatment should they experience any of the symptoms, including high fever, joint pain, cough, chest pain, scabies, boils, pus, headache, lack of appetite, and lethargy. – April 13, 2024