First Suspected Zika Case in Malaysia

Malaysia reported its first suspected case of Zika. A 58-year-old woman is believed to have contracted it in neighbouring Singapore where more than 100 cases have been confirmed.

The Malaysian woman had made a brief trip in late August to visit her daughter, who lives in Singapore and has already been confirmed as having the Zika virus, Malaysia's health ministry said in a statement.

Zika Fever - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention
Zika virus is transmitted to humans by infected mosquitoes which causes mild fever with maculopapular rash. No treatment or vaccine is currently available.

After returning to her home near the Malaysian capital, Kuala Lumpur, the 58-year-old woman fell ill and was diagnosed with "suspected" zika, based on a urine test. Full confirmation via blood tests is pending.

"The source of infection is suspected to have occurred in Singapore," the statement said.

The Aedes mosquito-borne Zika, which has been detected in 67 countries and territories including hard-hit Brazil, causes only mild symptoms for most people, such as fever and a rash.

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Growing mosquito repellent plants, helps in naturally protecting the area from mosquitoes and pests, thereby reducing incidence of mosquito-borne diseases.

But pregnant women who catch it can give birth to babies with microcephaly, a deformation marked by abnormally small brains and heads.

In an update, Singapore authorities said the number of infections there had risen to 115.

About Mosquito Diseases
Mosquito-borne diseases, like malaria, filaria, dengue, etc are common in places conducive of mosquito breeding. Swamps, ponds and stagnated drainage provide optimal breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Malaysia's health ministry said five other Malaysians who live and work in Singapore were among the city-state's cases.

The ministry said Malaysia was intensifying monitoring at border points and ramping up mosquito-control measures across the country, such as fogging with pesticides.

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Dengue is a tropical disease caused by mosquitoes carrying the dengue virus. Symptoms include fever, joint & muscle ache, fatigue, nausea and skin rash.

It called on Malaysians to do all they can to eliminate potential mosquito breeding sites such as standing water and to seek early medical attention if they have Zika symptoms, especially if they have visited outbreak areas such as Singapore.

"From the first reported case of Zika, we can conclude that it is rather easy to get infected by the virus when visiting places that (have an) outbreak, including Singapore," it said.

Source-AFP