Sabah Health Dept investigating rotavirus surge claims in Tenom

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Health Department is investigating claims of rotavirus cases surging in Tenom district.

Its director Datuk Dr Rose Nani Mudin said samples had been taken from patients who suffered diarrhea and vomiting on Thursday (Jan 5) and the results would be out within a few days.

She was responding to claims that the district hospital is overwhelmed with such cases.

She said the hospital could cope but did not provide any details or numbers.

“Our team from the district health office and the hospital is still investigating samples from patients that have been sent for investigation but the results will come in a few days.

“I will come out with a statement as soon as possible, and right now, we are still gathering information.

“But so far, the hospital in Tenom can cope and it has not requested for back-up from other hospitals,” she said.

Rotavirus is a highly infectious virus transmitted by the faecal-oral route and can cause severe diarrhea in infected young children. Adults caring for these patients can also be infected.