2 weeks Ago By Mohamad Al-As
KUALA LUMPUR: With a sape in one hand and a stool in the other, Desmond Jak Maan sets up his "stage" along the Kuching waterfront, hoping to earn more from busking today than the day before.The former general worker now plays music to earn a living, several years after nearly losing his life to a disease he contracted while farming.The 47-year-old's symptoms began with a fever and itching — signs that could have worsened if he hadn't gone to the hospital.
"The doctor told me that it was a rare condition. They said it was called melioidosis," he told the New Straits Times. "Luckily, it did not spread immediately.
If it had, I could have died within 48 hours."To prevent the disease from spreading quickly, the doctor treating Desmond had to act fast."My toe was cut off," Desmond said, adding that he had not been able to work as a general worker ever since.
Melioidosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia pseudomallei, which is found in contaminated soil or water, said Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Biological Sciences and Biotechnology Department senior lecturer Sylvia Chieng.The disease is highly endemic in Southeast Asia and northern Australia, with Malaysia identified as one of the hotspots. Chieng, citing the latest National Surveillance for Antibiotic Resistance data, said the average annual melioidosis incidence rate from 2014 to 2020 stood at 3.
41 per 100,000 population.However, the true prevalence of melioidosis in Malaysia remains unknown, as it is not classified as a notifiable disease under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act.Chieng said diagnosing melioidosis was challenging due to the diverse symptoms that resembled those of other diseases, thus earning it the moniker "the great mimicker".
"Symptoms can range from localised skin infections to severe pneumonia and septicaemia, often resembling other diseases such as tuberculosis."Chieng added that the bacteria were typically found deeper in the soil, but human activities such as farming and gardening could bring them to the surface.Desmond's encounter with melioidosis has scarred him in more ways than one.
He can no longer farm, and the loss of his toe has made walking difficult."It has also left me with phantom pain. The doctor says the phantom pain will always be there due to the many nerves that were cut when the toe was removed.
"He said the pain also affected his ankle, requiring him to use an ankle brace occasionally.While follow-up treatments and medication are free thanks to public healthcare, getting to the nearest government clinic in Siburan — some 20km away — is no walk in the park.Desmond is worried about being able to provide for his family, especially his school-going children.
"They will need books, backpacks and shoes. It can get very expensive," he added.© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd.
