Unidentified infectious disease cluster found in Kedah Malaysia

ALOR SETAR – An unidentified infectious disease cluster has formed among 39 school students and staff in Yan, a district in Kedah, Malaysia.

All health authorities in the northern state are on alert for patients showing symptoms of a cold, fever, cough, blisters, vomiting, diarrhoea and red rashes.

Health authorities have been cautioned to watch for patients with a history of visiting, staying overnight or participating in activities at a private training facility – Palas Camp – in Yan on or after April 3.

Kedah health committee chairman Mansor Zakaria stressed the importance of investigating the infectious disease cluster linked to Palas Camp.

“All medical officers must immediately notify the Kedah Health Department if patients display any of the mentioned criteria,” he said.

“The Kedah Health Department confirms an unidentified infectious disease involving students and staff of a secondary school from the Kuala Muda district,”

The department received notification of the cases on April 24.

“Following the notification, the Kuala Muda and Yan District Health offices conducted an immediate investigation and confirmed that the students had attended a training camp in the Yan district,” Mr Mansor added.

“The Kuala Muda District Health office detected 39 people (about 5 per cent) with symptoms of fever, cough and rashes out of the 763 students and staff at the school.

“The cases currently involve 14-year-old students and staff. All the patients are receiving treatment at Sultan Abdul Halim Hospital and are in stable condition.”

Mr Mansor said inspections and risk assessments have been carried out at the involved locations, and restrictions have been placed there.

“We request the public not to speculate, which could cause panic and disrupt the investigation.

“I urge everyone to take preventive measures and maintain cleanliness in their residential and recreational areas to prevent the spread of any infectious