New JE case reported in Penang, three other suspected cases await test results

GEORGE TOWN: A new case of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) has been reported in Penang in the Southwest district, said a statement from the Penang Health Department.

According to the statement, besides the new case, there were two other previous cases in Seberang Perai Selatan (SPS) involving two children which were confirmed by laboratory tests.

The statement added that there are no further details of the new victim in the Southwest district confirmed to have JE. ”In Penang, for the period between January until July 7 (Episode week 27), there were three JE positive cases which were confirmed through laboratory tests reported to Penang (Health Department) with two cases were reported in SPS and a new case in Southwest. Meanwhile, there were three other cases of suspected JE reported to the Penang Health Department but it still has to wait for the results of laboratory tests (to confirm the cases),” the statement said.

It stated that since the disease was spread through bites from the Culex mosquito, the breeding sites of the mosquito, larvasiding fumigation, and fogging will be carried out at the affected locations to break the chain of infection by destroying the larvae and adult mosquitoes. The Penang Health Department also advised the public to get immediate treatment at the health clinics or hospital if they have fever and symptoms of JE infection such as headaches, fits or neurological changes. The public are also advised to take measures to curb the spread of JE, such as by checking their house and surrounding area to destroy mosquito breeding areas.

The public are also urged to observe the 3S principles by avoiding congested and cramped places as well as conversations in close proximity. On June 27, two cases of JE were reported in SPS involving two child victims aged two and eight with one still being treated at the Penang Hospital. Both are in stable condition.