Update on Zika (FAQ & New Findings)

This article is to offer answers (where possible) to some common FAQs (frequently asked questions) and also express some of our uncertainties. I will try and provide references to answers offered so that individuals can read the data for themselves Is Zika Transmission Happening in Malaysia? We know that Zika was first identified in Uganda in 1947 and then spread to Asia. It was detected in an Aedes mosquito in Peninsular Malaysia in 1969. In September 2014 a tourist was found to be infected with Zika after travelling in Sabah. (Source: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/21/5/14-1960_article). So Zika has been around, possibly circulating in low numbers for some time. In the past 2 weeks we have seen one Malaysian visitor to Singapore get infected and another with local transmission in Sabah. Despite testing many mosquitoes and patients with symptoms the Ministry of Health has yet to identify more cases or virus spread. Will Zika Spread in Malaysia? We expect it will. Although the virus has been around for some time, most Malaysians are not immune to it, hence it can spread easily. In addition we have the appropriate mosquito vectors in abundance, the Aedes mosquitoes. Remember that it is a mild illness with some fever, rashes, red-eyes and joint pain. The majority are asymptomatic, i.e. may be infected but not show signs. These asymptomatic and mild cases still have the virus in the body for a few days and it can spread to others if they are bitten by Aedes mosquitoes or via s...
Source: Malaysian Medical Resources - Category: Global & Universal Authors: Tags: - Education - Guest - Nation Aedes Zika Source Type: blogs