Seven more malaria cases in Gerik, total rises to 71
Bernama
November 24, 2016 14:47 MYT
November 24, 2016 14:47 MYT
This undated photo courtesy of Sanaria, Inc. of Rockville, Maryland, shows Malaria infected mosquitoes ready for dissection in the lab's manufacturing facility during vaccine production.
Seven more cases of malaria were detected today at the Pos Kemar Orang Asli settlement in Gerik, raising to 71 the number of people who had contracted the disease.
No one has died of the disease.
Perak Director of Health Datuk Dr Juita Ghazalie said today the number of cases in Kampung Senangin had risen to 58 from 53 yesterday while two new cases were detected in Kampung Rantau.
"The number of cases in Kampung Akei and Kampung Ralak remains at four and one, respectively, while the number at Kampung Lediau and Kampung Rantau remains at three," she said in a statement.
She said 62 people had been admitted to the Gerik Hospital and four to the Kuala Kangsar Hospital while the rest were in the process of being sent to hospital.
Dr Juita has advised people working or engaged in activities in the Orang Asli settlement to take precautionary measures to reduce the risk of contracting the disease.
She said they were encouraged to use mosquito nets and sprays and set off fires to keep the mosquitoes away.
"Those engaged in outdoor activities should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and use mosquito repellents.
"They should also ensure that their environment is clean and they should maintain personal hygiene at all times," she said.
Dr Juita said people who suffered from fever, fatigue, headache and body ache should seek immediate medical treatment.
Malaria is spread through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito, carrier of the parasite. –Bernama