SEREMBAN: The leprosy situation in the two Orang Asli villages in Kuala Pilah near here is under control, with no necessity to isolate the eight patients, said the Health Ministry.
In a statement yesterday, the ministry said the sick are free to move around as there was effective treatment for the disease.
“The ministry gives a guarantee that the situation in Kuala Pilah is under control.
Leprosy is an infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae, with the disease mainly affecting the skin and peripheral nerves.
If left untreated, the disease may lead to permanent disabilities.
“As of Feb 19, the state health authorities have screened 368 of the 460 Orang Asli in both villages to prevent the spread of the disease,” it said
The ministry added that authorities have been carrying out checks at both villages since July last year.
Nine leprosy cases were detected and all patients were given treatment according to the established guidelines.
However, an 18-year-old girl from Kg Chergun died on Feb 17.
“The patient was admitted at the Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital after she complained of stomach ache and vomiting.
“Her family took her home on Feb 16 but the patient died the following day,” the ministry said.
The ministry added that efforts to screen the remaining Orang Asli as well as their contacts will continue.
“Similarly, infection prevention and control measures are ongoing.
“Any individual with leprosy-like symptoms should seek treatment at the nearest health facility,” it said.
It also expressed hope that people will extend their cooperation to the health teams.
On Wednesday, Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the nine individuals who were infected were from five families from Kg Chergun and Kg Guntur.
Aminuddin added that the authorities would quarantine all villagers following the death of the teen.
The Mentri Besar said the Jeram Tengkek Ecopark, located on the peripheries of the two villages, has also been closed indefinitely to prevent the disease from spreading.
Checks with the Orang Asli community in the two villages on Thursday showed that the quarantine order had yet to be enforced.
