Kelantan Health Dept denies another Orang Asli dies of pneumonia

KOTA BHARU, June 9 (Bernama) -- Kelantan State Health Department has refuted claims that another Orang Asli resident from Kuala Koh, Gua Musang has died at the Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital (HRPZ II) today as alleged on social media.

State Health director Dr Zaini Hussin said the news was not true as the three-year-old patient was still undergoing treatment at the HRPZ II’s Children Intensive Care Unit after being diagnosed with bronchial pneumonia or broncopneumonia as well as suffering from malnutrition.

He also said that yesterday (June 8) a team from the District Health Office had conducted active case detection in Kuala Koh and found another 54 cases with symptoms of fever and cough.

“These patients have been brought to Chiku 3 Health Clinic for inspection and treatment, with 25 people were treated as outpatients, 20 were referred to the Gua Musang Hospital, while another six were referred to the Kuala Krai Hospital. Another three patients were placed at the Orang Asli Health Homestay (RIKA).

“One patient who was initially referred to the Kuala Krai Hospital has been transferred to HRPZ II. The number of Orang Asli residents who were screened until yesterday (June 8) stood at 155 people with 83 were showing some symptoms,” he said in a statement today.

He said as of today, 37 people received outpatient treatments, 32 patients were admitted to the Gua Musang Hospital, 10 warded at the Kuala Krai Hospital, while one was placed at HRPZ II and three in RIKA.

He added that based on clinical symptoms and infection, these cases were suspected of contracting pneumonia.

Dr Zaini said currently, prevention and control activities have been carried out by the Gua Musang District Health Office by conducting health education such as talks and distribution of brochures on infectious diseases as well as environmental and personal hygiene.

He said the emphasis was also on the importance of segregation for those with symptoms and active case detection being carried out continuously at the Orang Asli settlement.

“The Health Department also advised to limit the movement of any individuals into the village to prevent the disease from spreading.

“We will also continue to work with all agencies involved in the management of the prevention and control of this disease,” he said.

Meanwhile, state Local Government, Housing and Health Committee chairman Izani Husin in his Facebook posting said the conditions of those with symptoms of respiratory tract infection were under control and recovering.

Earlier he made a visit to the Gua Musang Hospital for clarification and briefing from the hospital’s director pertaining to the Orang Asli patients.

In the same posting Izani also thanked the hospitals, the state Health Department, the Orang Asli Development Department (JAKOA) and everyone involved in the treatment of the patients.

-- BERNAMA