KOTA KINABALU: Two toddlers, one in Tuaran and another here, died in the middle of last month due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE).
According to State Health Department director Dr Christina Rundi yesterday, there had been five cases of JE in Sabah, two of which resulted in deaths, this year.
The three other JE cases occurred earlier this year, she said.
She added that investigation had already been done on the cases and several activities had been carried out to destroy mosquito-breeding sites.
“We have conducted surveillance among surrounding communities, clean-up of mosquito breeding sites, fogging and health education,” she said.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said in Kuala Lumpur yesterday that 16 JE cases were reported throughout the country this year and from the total, four have died.
Meanwhile, Agriculture and Food Industry Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin said the Veterinary Services and Animal Industry Department (DOVSAI) had been instructed to check related farms at all districts in Sabah to see if there were any cases of JE.
He said they would monitor the situation in an effort to prevent the disease from spreading.
Yahya also urged those operating their stalls at Ramdan Bazaars throughout the state to look after cleanliness.
He stressed that cleanliness is imperative to avoid any incidence of food poisoning at the bazaars.
The minister also urged them to set reasonable pricing for their products, while at the same time, called on buyers to practise the culture of saving and to spend wisely.
He commented that the FAMA Ramadan Bazaar near here is in its 13th year and that 120 vendors are taking part in it.
During the event yesterday, Yahya presented gifts and Raya money to 80 orphans from Rumah Anak Kesayangan Sembulan.