More Orang Asli struck by malaria accepts treatment from health workers

IPOH: Some Orang Asli affected by malaria in Hulu Perak district have since accepted medical treatment after health personnel held several counselling sessions with the community to ensure the disease is under control.
Perak Health committee chairman Datuk Dr Mah Hang Soon said: "Initially there were five cases where the patients from the community refused to be treated.
"However after counselling by medical staff they accepted treatment and advice," he told reporters after meeting seven patients who underwent free cataract surgery at Pantai Hospital here today.
Until today, a total 129 malaria cases were detected in the district involving 68 men and 61 women. The cases were detected in the middle of last month.
Mah pointed out that 67 patients are still receiving treatment at Grik Hospital, Asrama Didik SMK and Pos Kemar Orang Asli Settlement while one case is still under investigation in the vicinity of the settlement.
"A total of 82 patients in the district had fully received treatment," he added.
Mah said health authorities are still investigating the source of the outbreak.
Medical personnel will monitor the situation and carry out fogging and provide medicated mosquito nets to residents.
Meanwhile, cumulative dengue cases totalled 3,549 until today this year — a drop of 60.9% (5,520 cases) compared to 9,069 for the same period in 2015.
Mah said during the same period, 10 deaths were reported against 24 fatalities last year.
Kinta topped the list among 10 districts with 1,901 cases compared to 6,015 last year.