First Zika patient detected from Klang: Subramaniam (Updated)

PUTRAJAYA: A 58-year-old woman from Klang has tested positive for the Zika virus, Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam announced today.
The woman was confirmed as having the virus on being tested at the Sungai Buloh Hospital after a private general practitioner in Klang diagnosed her as a suspected case, when she sought medical attention for a rash on Aug 30.
On the source of the infection of Malaysia's first Zika patient, Subramaniam said it could be Singapore where the woman had started experiencing signs of the infection on the same day as her daughter in the republic.
Her daughter in Singapore is confirmed as having been infected.
He said the woman, from Bandar Botanic, is recuperating at the hospital.
Meanwhile, control and prevention measures have been initiated around the patient's residential area.
"They include eliminating Aedes breeding sites, larvaciding and fogging. People who had come into contact with the patient will also be examined if they develop a fever or show other Zika symptoms," he said.
Cautioned that the virus can be be spread through sexual intercourse, Subramaniam said the virus may remain for up to two months in women, and six months in men.
As such, it is advisable for Zika patients to use protection or abstain from sex until after clearance has been given by a doctor.
The Health Ministry foresees that the number of Zika cases may increase in the next few months as there are about 200,000 Malaysians working in Singapore who commute between Johor Baru and the island republic daily.
"Those who travel to Singapore frequently are advised to use mosquito repellent or wear long-sleeve shirts to avoid being infected," Subramaniam said, adding that so far 115 Zika cases have been reported in Singapore.
In Ipoh, however, Perak Health director Datuk Dr Juita Ghazalie was quoted as saying there are no plans for active screening of passengers to detect Zika virus at the Sultan Azlan Shah Airport.
She said health education posters and bunting have been placed at arrival areas and health cards are given to passengers arriving from countries reporting Zika cases, to advise those who have a fever to go for a medical check-up.
"If there are passengers coming in with symptoms, the airport authorities will inform the Kinta Health department, which will dispatch a medical team to assess the patient and manage accordingly," she added.