PUTRAJAYA, May 19 — No Zika virus cases have been reported in Malaysia thus far said the Health Ministry.
Director general of Health Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said 472 samples were tested by the National Public Health Laboratory (MKAK) and Institute of Medical Research (IMR) but there were no positive cases.
“Screening at all entry points in the country will continue but so far no visitors were reported to be positive for Zika,” he said in a statement here today.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) website, Zika virus is spread to humans via Aedes mosquitoes.
Following a Zika virus cases recently reported in Singapore, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam urged the Johor Health Department to increase screening procedures at the entry point and create awareness about the dangers posed by the Aedes mosquito.
Noor Hisham reminded the people to quickly seek treatment at clinics or hospitals if they came across any symptoms of dengue or Zika virus.
He said the Health Ministry had inspected 135,870 premises nationwide since April 11 to curb dengue cases.
Mohd Noor said as of May 14, 109 people have died of dengue compared with 136 deaths registered for the same period last year and that is a 19.9 per cent drop (27 deaths less). — Bernama
