Leprosy Outbreak in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia

Negeri Sembilan is currently experiencing an outbreak of leprosy with nine reported cases so far and one death of an 18-year-old girl three days ago, after a week-long fever.

The reported cases were in the villages of Kampung Orang Asli Chergun and Guntur in Kuala Pilah and those infected are currently receiving treatment.

As of now, the state authorities have quarantined these two villages as a precaution to contain the spread of the disease, although Health Minister Datuk Seri Dzulkefly Ahmad has said the cases are isolated and not widespread.

Malaysia was one of the pioneers in the global fight against the disease in the 1980s and even achieved the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) elimination target to less than 1 case per 10,000 people in 1991.

The disease is one of the oldest infectious diseases known to mankind with earliest evidence dating back to 4,000 years ago in India.

It primarily affects the skin, peripheral nerves, mucosal surfaces, and eyes, and if left untreated, it can lead to severe long-term complications.

Despite the historical stigma surrounding the disease, leprosy is now understood to be a disease that is both treatable and preventable, with early diagnosis being key to preventing disability.