Materia Medica Malaysiana

Typhoid Cases On The Drop In Kelantan

KOTA BAHARU, May 1 (Bernama) -- The number of typhoid cases reported at hospitals in Kelantan has seen a drop from between 60 to 80 cases daily two weeks ago to below 60 a day now.
Kelantan Health director, Datuk Dr Ahmad Razin Ahmad Mahir said that although the figure was still considered to be high, it was a positive development compared to the steep rise in cases after the disease surfaced in the state last April 3.
"Of those reported, not all had typhoid fever. However, we appreciate the awareness among people in coming to seek treatment when they think they have symptoms of typhoid. This has helped us contain the disease," he told reporters here Sunday.
He said that as of 4 pm yesterday, a total of 730 cases had been reported throughout Kelantan of which 344 had been confirmed to have contracted the disease.
Ahmad Razin also said that 438 food premises had been ordered closed for not meeting hygiene standards and that 368 food stall operators had been given vaccinations.
The state health department had also given 1,399 talks on the subject to the people and had distributed 26,336 flyers on it, he said.
Earlier, he had been present to monitor a vaccination exercise of 500 residents in Ketereh near here. Also present was the State Assemblyman for Kok Lanas, Datuk Annuar Musa.