KUALA LUMPUR, SEP 13: Two new Zika virus infection cases were detected involving two sisters in Miri, Sarawak and Setapak, raising the total of cases to six so far.
Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S Subramaniam said the fifth case involved a 35-year-old woman in Miri, who was now two months pregnant, and used to work in Singapore.
The last time the woman visited Singapore was between July 24 and 29 for six days, he said in a statement.
Dr Subramaniam said the woman was taken to a private clinic in Miri on September 6 after suffering from a prolonged fever, flu and sore throat.
“The Zika Virus test results, based on samples sent to a private laboratory in Kuala Lumpur and to the Institute of Medical Research (IMR) showed positive,” he was quoted as saying by BERNAMA.
Dr Subramaniam said the woman was admitted to a hospital in Miri on Sunday for further examination.
However, all six family members of the patient who lived in the same house did not show any symptoms or signs of Zika infection.
On the other hand, her 39-year-old sister who lives in Setapak was hospitalised in Kuala Lumpur last Sunday.
According to him, the elder sister had shown symptoms and had a history of visiting her sister in Miri on August 26, before leaving for Kuala Lumpur on September 6.
Meanwhile, according to the Health Ministry, since September 1 till 14, 68 cases with Zika virus symptoms were reported, yet all test results were negative, he said.
“The ministry would like to remind the public, especially pregnant women, to protect themselves from being bitten by Aedes mosquitos by using repellent or bright-coloured clothing and by covering their entire body,” he said.
The use of aerosol is encouraged indoors especially under tables, behind curtains or dark places especially during times when mosquitos are active – between 5 am and 7 am and 5 pm and 7 pm.
For individuals who suffer symptoms like fever, rashes and conjunctivitis and has a history of visiting areas where Zika is reported are advised to visit a doctor immediately, he added.
Two more zika cases reported involving two sisters
