Materia Medica Malaysiana

300 new typhoid cases in Kelantan

Some 300 new typhoid cases have been registered in Kelantan in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of cases to 589.
Most of them are students who have the tendency to consume food sold outside, Deputy State Health director (Public Health) Dr Lila P. Mohamed Meeran said.
Investigations since the outbreak was detected two weeks ago also revealed poor sanitation and water supply systems as among the causes for the spread of the disease.
This was made worse by people living close together in most semi-urban and rural areas in Kelantan.
As of 4pm yesterday, there were 226 confirmed and 363 suspected cases.
The Kota Baru hospital had the highest number with 150 patients, Tumpat (24), Pasir Putih (21), Pasir Mas (14), Machang (10), Tanah Merah (one), Jeli (two) and Universiti Sains Malaysia Hospital HUSM (80).
Dr Lila said the rest were treated in private hospitals.