KOTA KINABALU: A cholera outbreak has stricken 14 people, including a one-year-old baby, in four Sabah districts, believed to be due to the contamination of water and food with the reopening of almost all sectors from the Covid-19 pandemic.

State Health Department director Datuk Dr Christina Rundi (pic) said between May 29 and June 25,10 cases were reported in Kota Kinabalu, two in Putatan and one each in Tuaran and Semporna.

“Besides the baby, the oldest person infected is 80, while the rest are between seven and 18, ” she said.

Dr Rundi said there had been a 75% downward trend in cholera cases during the movement control order period compared to the same period last year.

But she said the number of cases could increase, especially with the reopening of almost all sectors.

Among the reasons for the bacterial infection, said Dr Rundi, were eating raw or uncooked food and not cleaning utensils with treated water.

“We advise the public to always practise preventive measures by drinking boiled water, washing hands before eating or handling food and after going to the toilet, ” she said, adding that seafood and meat should be properly cooked.

Cholera symptoms, which include diarrhoea, can be fatal if not treated, particularly among children and babies due to a loss of body fluids.