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ON February 17, an 18-year-old Orang Asli girl tragically passed away after contracting leprosy, following a week of fever.
Eight others from the same community are currently undergoing treatment for the disease.
The Negeri Sembilan State Menteri Besar, Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun, confirmed that the outbreak, involving nine individuals from the Chergun and Guntur Orang Asli villages in Kuala Pilah, was first detected on January 2 by the state’s Health Department.
Despite concerns and fears of a potential wider outbreak, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has conducted aggressive screening in both villages, ensuring that the situation remains under control.
MOH has advised the public to refrain from believing unfounded rumors or inaccurate information regarding the disease.
Deputy Minister of Health, Datuk Lukanisman Awang Sauni, stated that investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the infection.
Leprosy, caused by the slow-growing Mycobacterium leprae bacteria, often leads to confusion, with many mistakenly believing it is hereditary. Symptoms may take 2-5 years to manifest, Sinar Hrian reported him saying.
Leprosy spreads through the air when an infected person sneezes or coughs, but it is not easily transmissible, and cannot be contracted through direct contact with sores, contrary to some misconceptions.
Symptoms include painless skin rashes, muscle weakness, and nerve damage that impairs the body’s reflexes, making it difficult to avoid hot or sharp objects.
If untreated, the disease can result in permanent skin damage and, in severe cases, loss of fingers or toes. Leprosy can also lead to facial nerve paralysis, causing loss of blinking reflexes, dry eyes, and ulcers that may eventually lead to blindness.
However, the general public need not panic as over 95% of individuals naturally possess immunity to *Mycobacterium leprae*. Leprosy can be effectively treated with multi-drug therapy (MDT), which includes a combination of antibiotics for six to 12 months. In cases of resistance to standard medication, drugs like ofloxacin or minocycline may be used.
Some patients may experience a "leprosy reaction," an immune response to the bacteria, but this can be managed with anti-inflammatory medications. With consistent treatment, leprosy can be cured, and patients are no longer contagious once treatment begins.
Therefore, patients do not need to be isolated from their families or communities as long as they follow medical advice and complete their prescribed treatment.
Authorities urge the public to stay calm and trust that leprosy in Malaysia is under control. – February 22, 2025
