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Malaysiaon Wednesday (Sept 7) reported its first case of Zika infection in a pregnant woman, whose husband works in Singapore.
The 27-year-old Chinese patient is 3 to 4 months pregnantandlivesinTaman Desa Harmoni,Minister of Health Subramaniam Sathasivam told reporters.
Buthecould not say definitively if the woman contracted thevirus from her husband or locally, as results from tests done on the husband are not out yet.
"She showed signs and symptoms before the husband. She was tested earlier and found positive," he said.
Datuk Seri Dr Subramaniam advised people with spouses who have been infected with the Zika virus to avoid sex or to take precautions to avoid pregnancy for at least six months.
He saidthehealth ministry will hospitalise all pregnant Zika patients who will be treated by specialists.
Zika infections in pregnant women have been shown to cause microcephaly in the foetus, a severe birth defect in which the head and brain are undersized, besides other brain abnormalities.
The health ministeralso clarified thatMalaysia is not spraying in-coming vehicles at the land checkpoints withdisinfectant and insect repellent as a safety precaution. Instead, authorities are asking that drivers spray their vehicles before entering Malaysia.
But he acknowledged it's impossible for enforcement officers to ensure that allvehicles are sprayed.
Dr Subramaniamsaid given the close proximity of Johor Bahruto Singapore, the increasing number of Zika cases in Malaysia is to be expected. Aedes control measures have been increased in Johor Bahru and around the house of the patient, he added.
This is Malaysia's third confirmed Zika infection, after one casein Klang, Selangor and another one inKota Kinabalu, Sabah last week.
(THE STRAITS TIMES)
