Subra: Destroy Aedes mozzies to stop Zika spread
Ministry uncovers more locally transmitted infections
PUTRAJAYA: As with dengue, the better way to prevent Zika is to destroy the Aedes mosquito which is a carrier for both viruses, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam.
He said this was a more effective method to stop it spreading than checking people’s body temperature as they entered the country.
Thermal scanners and visual inspections at airports and other entry points only work if someone has the full blown effects of Zika, typically a fever, muscle aches and rashes, he said.
“But 80% of those with the virus do not show any symptoms.
“So someone infected could come into Malaysia looking and even feeling perfectly healthy.
“And if an Aedes mosquito bites that person and then a healthy person, the virus spreads,” said Dr Subramaniam.
“That is why we need to get rid of the Aedes mosquito”.
Fifty-six locally-transmitted Zika virus cases have been confirmed in Singapore.
Dr Subramaniam said there were no reported cases in Malaysia so far but acknowledged that there was a risk.
“Due to Johor Baru’s proximity with Singapore and the 150,000 to 200,000 people travelling between the two daily, we need to step up efforts against the aedes mosquito,” he said.
He said the fogging and cleaning up of public areas in the southern city and its suburbs will be stepped up.
He urged the residents to make sure their house compounds do not become a breeding ground for the mosquito.
To date, three million visitors to Malaysia have been screened at entry points, including 219 who came from countries where there have been outbreaks of Zika.
Dr Subramaniam said the Malaysian contingent that went to the Rio Olympics was tested when they returned because Zika cases have been reported in Brazil. All were given a clean bill of health.
“We are now asking those others who went to Brazil to have themselves tested to make sure they don’t have the virus,” he said, adding that the test could be done at 12 major hospitals nationwide.
Unlike dengue, Zika rarely causes death. But pregnant women who are infected risk the child suffering from microcephaly – brain damage and an abnormally small head.
According to him, the virus can also spread through sexual intercourse with an infected partner and advised those in the risk group to either abstain or practice safe sex.
Zika researchers have found that the virus stays in semen and vaginal fluids for up to six months.
SINGAPORE: There are 15 more cases of locally transmitted Zika virus infection in Singapore, the Ministry of Health (MOH) has said.
Of the 15, two work at the construction site at 60, Sims Drive, and they have recovered.
Thirteen live or work in the broader Sims Drive and Aljunied Crescent area, where 41 cases were earlier found.
With the new cases, there is now a total of 56 confirmed cases here.
MOH said it has completed testing of all workers at the construction site who had previously shown symptoms of fever and rash.
The ministry is also screening workers staying at the dormitories located near the affected areas.
“MOH will continue to work with GPs in the area to offer testing for patients who had fever and rash previously,” MOH said. “The lookback exercise will likely uncover more previously undiagnosed cases of Zika.”
As of Sunday, the National Environment Agency (NEA) has inspected about 3,600 premises out of an estimated 6,000 premises in the Aljunied Crescent and Sims Drive cluster to check for mosquito breeding. It has also conducted ground checks in the vicinity.
The agency found 36 breeding habitats, which have been detected and destroyed.
NEA has also inspected the on-site workers quarters at the construction site at Sims Drive.
NEA officers and grassroots volunteers have completed the first round of outreach efforts in the area, to distribute Zika information leaflets.
“We will be continuing with outreach to raise general awareness of Zika, reiterate the need for source reduction to prevent mosquito breeding and advise residents to apply repellent as precaution,” NEA said.
NEA has also started vector control operations in areas where Zika patients from the Aljunied Crescent and Sims Drive cluster work or live.
NEA has begun inspecting dormitories and homes at Kranji Road, Senoko South Road, Lorong 101 Changi, Toh Guan Road East and Joo Chiat Place.
Two breeding habitats were found at Kranji and at Sembawang Drive.
Thermal fogging, misting and indoor spraying of insecticides have been carried out at the inspected premises.
“There is currently no evidence of local transmission in these areas of concern,” authorities said. — The Straits Times/Asia News Network