Perak malaria outbreak: 4 Orang Asli children discharged, 2 being treated in hospital

Four Orang Asli from Pos Poi settlement in Sungai Siput who were tested positive of malaria have been discharged today after they received full treatment at the Kuala Kangsar General Hospital since early Dec.

The matter was confirmed by Perak Department of Orang Asli (JAKAO) director, Hairulnizam Abdul Rahman when contacted by Astro AWANI here today saying that they are now reported to be in stable condition.

Two other patients are still being treated at the Kuala Kangsar General Hospital.

“We will be cooperating with the Health Department in monitoring the situation at Pos Kemar in Gerik,” said Hairulnizam.

The spread of the mosquito-borne infectious disease was first detected at the Orang Asli settlement in Pos Kemar, Gerik on Nov 21. The number of people infected has since increased.

Mounting pressure is felt among many quarters following several reported cases involving six Orang Asli on Dec 6.

Authorities have begun to take heed in taking measures to curb the spread.

To date, 142 individuals were reportedly infected and 136 of them are from Pos Kemar.

Meanwhile, Lintang Assemblyman, Datuk Zolkafly Harun said that the infected area must be avoided at all costs.

He also said that any outdoor activities must be avoided near the settlement.

“Before this, a malaria case was detected in Pos Kemar and now Pos Poi. Those two cases aren’t related as the victims were infected by different types of parasites.

He stressed that Sungai Siput Assemblymen Services Department will be continuously monitor the situation around Pos Poi to avoid the case from worsened.