Leprosy in Negri Sembilan, Malaysia

In Negeri Sembilan state, in western Malaysia, officials report nine cases of leprosy, including a fatality in a 18-year-old girl after a week-long fever.

“One of the patients, an 18-year-old girl from Kampung Chergun, passed away on Feb 17. She was admitted to Tuanku Ampuan Najihah Hospital (HTAN) after experiencing fever, stomach pain, and vomiting. She was treated by HTAN’s internal medicine specialists, with additional consultations from the gastroenterology, hepatology, and dermatology departments,” the statement said.

The reported cases were in the villages of Kampung Orang Asli Chergun and Guntur in Kuala Pilah and those infected are currently receiving treatment.

According to MOH, as of Feb 19, the Negeri Sembilan Health Department has screened 368 out of 460 residents in Kampung Chergun and Kampung Guntur, Kuala Pilah, as part of intensified efforts to detect leprosy cases.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has assured that the leprosy situation in Kuala Pilah remains under control, with patients no longer requiring isolation due to the availability of effective treatment.

Leprosy: An interview with Dr Richard Truman