SHAH ALAM: Five more leprosy cases have been detected in the country, this time across five districts in Selangor.
Two cases were detected in Hulu Langat and Sepang in January, while three more were reported in Gombak, Hulu Selangor and Kuala Langat in February, Selangor Health Department (JKNS) director Dr Ummi Kalthom Shamsudin said.
The cases come in the wake of nine cases in Negri Sembilan.
An 18-year-old girl from Kampung Chergun died while eight Orang Asli from the village and Kampung Guntur in Kuala Pilah were confirmed to have contracted leprosy in their settlement.
Of the five cases in Selangor, one was an Orang Asli, three locals while two were foreigners, Bernama reported.
“None of the cases involved children,” said Dr Ummi Kalthom when met at the presentation of appointment letters for Selangor Hospital Visitors’ Board by Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari here yesterday.
Dr Ummi Kalthom said the situation is under control, with all patients in stable condition under the supervision of health personnel in their respective districts.
“Leprosy is a treatable disease with modern medication, including prophylactic drugs to prevent infection among those exposed to positive cases. Isolation is not required,” she said.
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