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Malaysia on alert for surge in waterborne diseases after floods

Health volunteers in Malaysia have been preparing for any surge in waterborne diseases following devastating floods that saw tens of thousands of people evacuated as more rains are forecast in the coming days.

Illustrative photo (Photo: MalayMali)
Illustrative photo (Photo: MalayMali)

Hanoi (VNA) - Health volunteers in Malaysia have been preparing for any surge in waterborne diseases following devastating floods that saw tens of thousands of people evacuated as more rains are forecast in the coming days.

Floodwaters have begun receding in the worst-hit state of Kelantan, on Malaysia's northeastern coast. However, government data showed more than 40,000 people remained at temporary shelters on December 4 amid fears of a potential second wave of flooding this week.

Videos of children playing in muddy floodwaters have gone viral online in recent days, sparking concerns over the potential spread of waterborne illnesses.

Bernama news agency quoted the Kelantan state health authorities as saying that nearly 5,000 cases of infectious diseases, including intestinal, respiratory and skin infections, have been detected at relief centres.

The Malaysian Medical Relief Society (MERCY Malaysia) said the number of reported cases was still manageable, but its volunteers remained on alert for any future spikes./.

VNA
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