PUTRAJAYA: Malaysia has not recorded any cases of the Zika virus so far but continuous preventive measures and methods are being taken by the Health Ministry, said its minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
As of February 2, a total of 293 blood samples from patients with dengue symptoms, who tested negative for the disease were tested for Zika but results also came out negative, Dr Subramaniam said.
He said the National Public Health Lab (MKAK) and Institute of Medical Research (IMR) are monitoring the virus through continuous surveillance.
“Malaysia has the capacity to diagnose the Zika virus at the research labs but treatment is symptomatic.
“The main problem associated with Zika is the development of ‘Microcephaly’ among pregnant women, who have children with small heads, and we do not have a drug to stop it…so this is an unfortunate aspect.
“Another problem that has been reported is the inflammation of the nerves that cause paralysis to the legs and arms as well as the respiratory system but management is symptomatic,” he said in a press conference today.
He added the ministry was also trying to develop diagnostics on suspected Zika cases at major medical facilities apart from the IMR.
Yesterday, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak instructed the ministry to take preventive measures to protect the people from dengue fever and the Zika virus.
He also wanted all parties, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the people in general, to join hands in combating the Aedes mosquito which is the agent of infection for both diseases.
The World Health Organisation has declared the Zika virus infection as a public health emergency of international concern.
The Zika virus is spread by the Aedes mosquito that is also a carrier of the dengue virus.