COVID-19: New cluster detected in Kunak, Sabah

Another new cluster, known as the Sea Cluster, has been detected among illegal immigrants in Kunak, Sabah.

Health director-general, Tan Sri Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said the cluster's index case (case 9,859) was a detainee at the Tawau Temporary Detention Centre in Sabah who had been deported to Zamboaga in his country of origin, the Philippines on Aug 27.

However, he said that on Sept 5, the individual had sneaked into Sabah from Zamboanga via a ‘rat trail’ to visit his wife.

"The wife (index case, i.e., case 9,860) was tested positive for COVID-19 on Sept 8 during referral screening from Kunak Hospital to Tawau Hospital for further treatment of postpartum bleeding complications," he said in a statement on COVID-19 developments, here, today.

Dr Noor Hisham said as a result of active case tracking and close-contact screening, two other COVID-19 positive cases were detected, namely child and neighbour's index cases (case 9,861 and 9,862).

According to him, 49 individuals have been screened in the cluster and all the screenings involved Philippine nationals.

“Of the total, four cases were detected positive for COVID-19, 14 were negative while another 31 are still waiting for their results.

"Measures to prevent the spread of infection such as disinfection and cleaning have been carried out at the identified locations. The cause of the infection is still under investigation,"’ he added.

-- BERNAMA