KOTA KINABALU: Sabah witnessed 11 deaths related to dengue last year.
Sabah Health (JKNS) director Datuk Dr Asits Sanna said that the department recorded a total of 6,983 dengue cases.
He added that this figure indicates a decrease of 1.8 per cent compared to 2022.
"JKNS also reports 11 deaths due to dengue fever with a mortality rate of 0.16 per cent, involving eight districts.
"Three in the Sandakan district, two in Kunak district, and one each in Papar, Semporna, Kudat, Nabawan, Putatan, and Tuaran districts.
"This represents an increase of 10 per cent compared to the same period last year, which recorded 10 deaths due to dengue complications," he said in a statement.
Meanwhile, based on information from the Malaysian Meteorological Department, Dr Asits said rainfall is expected due to the Northeast Monsoon throughout January and February 2024.
He urged the public to take preventive measures, including conducting weekly 10-minute search and destroy activities around their premises and performing community efforts in their respective residential areas.
"In addition, the public is advised to protect themselves from mosquito bites by using repellents and aerosol sprays during mosquito-active times, early in the morning (5 - 7 am) and late afternoon (5 - 7 pm).
"Seek early treatment at any healthcare facility if experiencing dengue symptoms such as fever, pain in joints, bones, muscles, and pain behind the eyes," he said.