Confirmed: A Woman From Klang Is Malaysia's First Zika Virus Patient
The woman tested positive for Zika virus based on the result of her urine test.
By Sadho Ram — 01 Sep 2016, 12:23 PM
A 58-year-old woman in Bandar Botanic in Klang is reportedly infected with Zika, making it the first case of Zika in Malaysia
According to the Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH), they received a report of a patient suspected of Zika virus infection on 31 August.
The 58 years-old woman, who resides in Bandar Botanic, Klang, Selangor, is the mother of a female confirmed with Zika infection in Singapore.
"The patient, together with her husband had visited their daughter in Singapore on 19 August and returned to Malaysia on 21 August 2016," the ministry said in a statement.
She displayed symptoms of a rash on 28 August and sought medical attention at a private clinic in Klang on 30 August, where the Private General Practitioner diagnosed her as "suspected case of Zika".
She was referred to Sungai Buloh Hospital and the result of the urine PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test on 31 August was found positive for Zika virus.
While her husband and family members who lived in the same house with her, are yet to show any symptoms of Zika infection, she had also visited various areas in the district of Klang and Kuala Lumpur from 21 August to 28, according to the ministry's statement
"Based on the findings of the investigation, the MOH has already started vector control activities in the residential area of the case and other places that the patient had visited. Control activities carried out include eliminating Aedes breeding sites, larvaciding and fogging. In addition, close contacts to the patient will be examined whether they have any fever or other Zika symptoms," Health Minister Dr S Subramaniam said.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Subramaniam urged the public to allow vector control officers to come into their homes to fog:
Asking for proactive action in order to help stop the spread of Zika virus in Malaysia, Dr. Subramaniam said that Malaysians must focus on cleaning the Aedes breeding places, protect themselves from Aedes mosquito bites and seek early medical attention if they have signs such as fever, rash, and conjunctivitis.
Meanwhile, five Malaysians working and residing in Singapore have been confirmed to have been infected by Zika, with Singapore reporting a total 115 cases as at yesterday, 31 August
"For the period from 27 to 31 August 2016, there has been 115 confirmed Zika cases reported in Singapore. Due to the rapid spread of Zika virus infection, Aedes monitoring and preventive activities are continuously performed and intensified in all states, especially in the state of Johor and Selangor," the statement from the Ministry read.