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Thursday October 22, 2009

No proof that 100Plus cures dengue

Reports by LEE YUK PENG, ZULKIFLI ABD RAHMAN, LOH FOON FONG, YENG AI CHUN and LESTER KONG


THERE is no scientific proof to show that 100Plus drink is able to cure dengue fever, Deputy Health Minister Datuk Rosnah Abdul Rashid Shirlin told the House.

She said while the drink gives individuals energy, there was no scientific analysis that indicated it could heal those suffering from the illness.

There was also no proof that the drink could be detrimental to those who drank it believing that it would help their condition, she added.

“If there are any doubts about the disease, the public can call the ministry for verification,” she said when replying to Datuk Ibrahim Ali (Independent - Pasir Mas).

Ibrahim had asked whether drinking the energy drink could help to cure dengue fever as there were those who believed it could and if not, whether it could be detrimental to patients.

In replying to Karpal Singh (DAP - Bukit Gelugor) who asked if dengue was widespread in Malaysia and what steps the Government was taking to fight it, Rosnah said the disease was endemic and the number of infections was increasing not only in Malaysia but globally.

This was a result of climate change and poor hygiene level.

There were 72 deaths reported this year until Oct 17, compared with 80 in the same period last year, she said.

The number of cases until Oct 17 was 33,123 compared to 36,234 during the same period last year.

Rosnah said the number of cases in nine states had reduced except for Selangor, Penang, Sarawak, Perlis and Malacca.

The numbers could be reduced further if all parties got involved and were committed in fighting the disease, she said.

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