ANN/THE STRAITS TIMES – The Malaysian Health Ministry has recorded 10,272 cases of waterborne diseases at temporary relief centres (PPS) in Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Perak.
Health Minister Dzulkefly Ahmad said that cases detected include 6,730 acute respiratory infections and 3,021 skin infections. There were also 298 cases of acute gastroenteritis, 190 of conjunctivitis, 20 of chickenpox and 13 of hand, foot and mouth disease.
He noted that all reported infectious disease cases at the temporary relief centres are sporadic and under control.
As at December 1, Malaysia’s floods – caused by torrential rain in the last week of November – had affected more than 150,000 people across 10 states, with north-eastern Kelantan suffering the worst damage.
“The public must remain attentive to directives from the authorities and take personal health precautions to prevent the spread of infectious diseases, accidents and injuries,” Dr Dzulkefly said during a press conference after visiting the PPS at Maktab Rendah Sains Mara in Tumpat yesterday.
“Individuals are also urged to seek immediate treatment from medical teams at the PPS or the nearest healthcare facilities and avoid delaying treatment.”
He also reported that 121 healthcare facilities have been affected by the floods, with 77 in Kelantan, 30 in Terengganu, nine in Kedah, two each in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang, and one in Perak.
He explained that they comprise 56 rural clinics, 34 health clinics, 19 dental clinics, five district health offices, six hospitals and one at an international entry point.
“Currently, 87 healthcare facilities are operational, while 31 have moved their services to alternative facilities. Only three facilities are non-operational, as they are still being cleaned.
The public can still access healthcare services at these facilities, including alternative facilities, as usual,” he said.
“The Health Ministry will ensure that appropriate preventive and control measures are in place to provide uninterrupted and efficient healthcare services,” he said.
