KOTA KINABALU - Sabah recorded the third highest number of leptospirosis cases in the country after Selangor and Kelantan.Since last year, there have been 555 cases with three deaths.
Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Edward Yong Oui Fah said the incident rate for the disease was between 13.26 and 27.20 per 100,000 population in Sabah.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial disease, is transmitted from rodents to humans.
Without treatment, leptospirosis can lead to kidney damage, meningitis, liver failure, respiratory distress, and even death.
"People should not keep out leftover food. This can prevent rat infestation especially at eateries and residential areas.
"Besides catching rats, City Hall will also meet with non-governmental organisations and restaurant operators in managing food waste," he said, adding the local government would also work together with state health department to ensure cleanliness of the food served during Ramadhan bazaars.
Yong, who is also state health exco, was speaking during the launch of a two-day seminar themed "Zoonotic Disease: Hidden Threat."
The seminar comprises talks on Japanese encephalitis and leptospirosis, as well as six case studies from the health, wildlife, veterinary and other departments.
Present was Sabah Health director Dr Christina Rundi.
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