A teenage Orang Asli girl died from a leprosy outbreak on Monday (February 17), while 8 other people are still undergoing treatment.
According to a report by Harian Metro, the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun shared that the people affected are from the Chergun and Guntur Orang Asli villages in Kuala Pilah. The patients are aged between 15 and 85 years old.
Kampung Guntur
He added that the state Health Department had begun tracking the outbreak on January 2, after 9 Orang Asli residents were confirmed to have been infected with leprosy.
“Of the total, 5 are residents of Kampung Chergun while the other 4 are from Kampung Guntur,”
“A patient from Kampung Chergun, Shynaiza Hamzah, aged 18, was confirmed to have died at home after suffering from a fever for a week, while the others have now been ordered to quarantine themselves at their respective homes,” he explained.
Both villages are under quarantine
Aminuddin also clarified that, as a precautionary measure, the state government along with the District Health Office (PKD) has decided to implement quarantines in both villages, including closing the Jeram Tengkek recreational centre, to prevent the spread of the leprosy outbreak.
Screenings were also being carried out in the 2 villages on February 15 (Saturday), and the next screening will take place on February 22 (Saturday).
“All food supplies and needs for the residents of both villages will be managed by the elected representatives and the village Development and Security Committee (JPKK),” he added.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), leprosy, also known as Hansen disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae. The disease predominantly affects the skin and peripheral nerves.
If left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities. The bacteria are transmitted via droplets from the nose and mouth during close and frequent contact with untreated cases.
Leprosy is curable with multi-drug therapy (MDT).
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