MOH has no new flood outbreaks but warns of leptospirosis as waters recede; health teams deployed.
KUALA LUMPUR: No new outbreaks have been reported, but rising influenza cases have put the Health Ministry on alert, with the minister warning of leptospirosis risks as floods recede.
Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad said as of yesterday (Nov 24), 629 flood victims have been examined at PPS.
He said according to National Crisis Preparedness and Response Centre (CPRC) data, among them, 78 cases of Acute Respiratory Infection (ARI), 16 cases of skin infections, two cases of Acute Gastroenteritis (AGE), and one case of conjunctivitis were detected.
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“No victims required hospital referral, and no disease outbreaks have been reported among evacuees at temporary evacuation centres (PPS),” he told reporters after the Malaysia International Healthcare (MIH) Megatrends opening ceremony, here.
He added that the Health Ministry had anticipated worsening flood conditions and activated a comprehensive preparedness plan to ensure healthcare services remain uninterrupted.
“Alternative health facilities have also been identified should primary facilities be disrupted, while state health departments have updated assets, vehicles, and medical supplies.
“Medicine stocks are sufficient for at least three months, with additional reserves available from concession suppliers,” he added.
The minister also visited his constituency in Kuala Selangor this morning, where 231 families involving 954 victims were affected at SK Aman, and another 22 victims from three families were impacted in PPS Balai Raya Kampung Jaya Setia.
He said the ministry is implementing several key measures under its comprehensive action plan while health facilities have been ensured to remain safe and fully operational, with sufficient manpower, equipment, and logistics.
“Specialised medical teams under the ministry are ready for deployment, including the Rapid Assessment Team (RET), Rapid Response Team (RRT), and Medical Emergency Response Team (MERT), supported by mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) units.
“These teams conduct health assessments, provide treatment at PPS, and monitor for diseases. Environmental inspections and psychosocial support are also part of their duties,” the minister said.
Dzulkefly said PPS inspections are ongoing, with all identified centres checked and assessed for suitability, while public health activities are being carried out in coordination with other agencies.
“While no new outbreaks have been reported, we remain cautious due to the rising influenza and other illnesses.
“We also remind the public to be aware of diseases such as leptospirosis, especially when floodwaters recede,” he added.
A total of 48 Emergency Medical Teams (EMT), comprising 16 Medical Rapid Response Teams and 32 Health RRTs, have been mobilised to temporary evacuation centres (PPS) to provide medical services and disease prevention for flood victims.
The Malaysian Meteorological Department (METMalaysia) issued a Continuous Rainfall Warning at Danger Level (Red) on Nov 24 at 2pm for the states of Perlis, Kedah (Langkawi, Kubang Pasu, Kota Setar, Pokok Sena, Padang Terap, Yan, Pendang, and Sik), Kelantan (Tumpat, Pasir Mas, Kota Bharu, Bachok, Machang, and Pasir Puteh), and Terengganu (Besut), effective until Nov 26.
A Continuous Rainfall Warning at Alert Level (Orange) was also issued on Nov 24 for Kedah, Pulau Pinang, Perak, Kelantan, and Terengganu until Nov 26.
