Health Ministry Clears Recent Rabies Scare in Sarawak
Report earlier this month about an Indonesian woman died of rabies in Kuching made headlines and head turns. The Ministry of Health Malaysia has concluded that the woman was bitten by his pet dog in his country of origin, not in Malaysia.
The case saw a 69 year-old Indonesian woman living in Sangau, Indonesia. She was discovered bitten by her pet dog in September of this year at her left foot. During the episode, the animal was said to be unusually aggressive and had bit its owner without provocation.
She was treated in Indonesia, although details of her treatment was not made known, she was reported to have worsening symptoms. In December 13, she was brought to a private medical center in Kuching Sarawak. It was there where she showed neurological symptoms such as confusion, weakening of legs, and inability to swallow.
She was pronounced dead on December 17, with lab test confirming of her having rabies. The case was not put into Malaysia’s rabies case statistics as the victim was infected in Indonesia. Confirmed rabies cases in Sarawak remains the same since its declaration in July 2017, which is 16 cases with 15 deaths. Last case of rabies were reported in December 10 2018.
Imported chilies from Vietnam detected with unsafe level of residual pesticides
A news report made on December 21 regarding unsafe chilies illegally imported from Vietnam was reconfirmed by the Ministry of Health. The ministry found that the government has terminated the import permit of the specific produce since December 14.
Health Ministry through the Food Quality and Safety Division has monitored the movement of imported chilies throughout the market. They had found that in more than 503 samples of chilies, including ones from Vietnam, 21 did not adhere to the 1983 Food Act and the 1985 Food Laws regarding residual pesticides. Enforcement has been made.
Philips launches global patient education effort for World COPD Day
Royal Philips, a global leader in health technology, has launched a global initiative to celebrate everyday wins by patients, providers and caretakers regarding the management of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
COPD is significantly underdiagnosed worldwide including in Malaysia. The WHO has highlighted that COPD is likely to increase in the coming years due to higher smoking prevalence and aging populations in many countries. It is important to pay attention to this trend as Malaysia is an aging nation with a significant number of smokers, estimated at 5 million currently.