SANDAKAN: Sabah reported 357 zoonotic (monkey) malaria cases by Epidemiological Week 16, and one death was recorded, says Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad
Dzulkefly said Tawau, Ranau and Kudat were among the main contributors.
“All government clinics and hospitals can detect monkey malaria," he said.
Dzulkefly said early detection and immediate treatment were key. He said increased human activity in wildlife habitats raised contact with monkeys and increased zoonotic transmission.
Dzulkefly said that waste management and controlled land clearing were important for reducing contact with monkeys.
He said agencies needed integrated surveillance and repeated public awareness efforts.
Monkey malaria, or zoonotic malaria, is a form of malaria transmitted from monkeys to humans through mosquito bites, most commonly caused by the parasite Plasmodium knowlesi.
Meanwhile, regarding the shortage of doctors, Dzulkefly said the issue in Sabah was part of a nationwide problem.
“This is a legacy involving both a shortage and maldistribution,” he said.
He said the ministry has set up an inter-ministerial special task force to address the supply of doctors, specialists and talent retention.
Dzulkefly added that 42 new house officers were recently posted to the Duchess of Kent Hospital in Sandakan, with about 70% of them Sabahans.
