There have been no water borne diseases reported in any of the relief centres in Kelantan, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Hilmi Yahaya.

He said up till yesterday, some 4,018 flood victims had been treated, and from the examinations carried out, 625 patients with contagious diseases which were not water borne such as acute respiratory infections, skin infections and fever had been identified and were duly treated.

"Although there were 28 diarrhea cases identified out of the 625 cases, they were not water borne," he told reporters after launching the Kelantan state-level World Diabetes Day 2014 celebration in Tumpat today.

 

Dr Hilmi said another 1,029 medical cases which were non-contagious were also treated, including 15 cases involving pregnant women and those in labour, who were referred to the relevant district hospitals for further treatment.

Meanwhile, he said up to now, there was only one clinic, the Desa Keroh Clinic in Kuala Krai which had been submerged in water which damaged its equipment.

    

"However we have not yet been able to ascertain the total losses incurred as the clinic is still submerged in water and we have asked the district's health officers to list the damages," he said.

Dr Hilmi said up till yesterday, seven other facilities which still faced rising water levels comprised three rural clinics in Tumpat and another four in Pasir Mas.

 

"Whereas 20 rural clinics, three in Tumpat, 14 in Pasir Mas, and three in Tanah Merah were still unreachable," he added.

He said, static medical teams which operate around the clock had been stationed at five relief centres, each of them housing more than 1000 flood victims in Pasir Mas (four centres) and Tumpat (one).

Dr Hilmi advised the public to observe cleanliness to avoid being infected by disesases and to continously monitor the safety of their family members.

As of 5pm today, a total of 16,347 flood victims from 5,501 families have been placed in 59 relief centres in Gua Musang, Kuala Krai, Machang, Kota Baharu, Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Tanah Merah, and Jeli.

- Bernama