An Orang Asli girl, 18, was confirmed dead on Monday after a week-long fever and being infected with leprosy following an outbreak.

Eight other residents in Kampung Orang Asli Chergun and Guntur, Kuala Pilah, are still undergoing treatment.

Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar Aminuddin Harun said the state’s Health Department began detecting the outbreak on Jan 2, after nine Orang Asli residents were infected.

“The nine are five Orang Asli residents from Chergun and four from Guntur.

“One of the patients from Chergun namely Shynaiza Hamzah, 18, was confirmed dead at home after having a week-long fever, whereas the others have been quarantined in their respective homes,” he said after chairing a state executive council meeting at Wisma Negeri, Seremban, today.

Aminuddin (above) said to prevent a further outbreak, the District Health Office implemented a quarantine in the villages, including closing the Jeram Tengkek recreation centre.

Meanwhile, senior state executive councillor Jalaluddin Alias said the Health Ministry screened about 65 percent of the residents in the two villages as of Jan 22.

“On Feb 15, the ministry conducted further screenings for those who had not yet undergone the screening, especially the residents of Kampung Orang Asli Chergun, while on Feb 22, another screening will be held in the Kampung Orang Asli Guntur,” he said.

Jalaluddin also said food supplies and necessities for residents of both villages will be managed by the local representative and the Village Development and Security Committee of the respective villages.

- Bernama

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