The spike in dengue and malaria cases in the country is nothing extraordinary, amid the ongoing battle against Covid-19.
Datuk Dr N.K.S. Tharmaseelan said the same can be said about the two cases of Japanese Encephalitis reported in Sungai Bakap, Seberang Perai Selatan, earlier today.
“The public should practise good personal and environmental hygiene and take precautions to prevent dengue, malaria and JE infections,” said Dr Tharmaseelan.
While urging the people not to be alarmed, the former Malaysian Medical Association president said they should nevertheless remain vigilant.
“The public should not mistake every case of fever or respiratory case as Covid-19 and seek medical advice if they develop symptoms related to dengue, malaria or JE.”
He said construction sites which were abandoned during the Movement Control Order could be a reason behind the rise in dengue and malaria cases.
Dr Tharmaseelan said Malaysia is experienced in treating malaria.
“Malaria is easy to treat and hydroxychloroquine, the drug used to treat malaria, is readily available as it was also used for Covid-19 patients.”
The last time JE was reported in Penang was in 2018. It is a type of viral brain infection that can affect both humans and animals.
JE can be transmitted from animals to humans through the bite of an infected Culex mosquito. Its symptoms include sudden onset of headache, high fever, neck stiffness, convulsions, muscles weakness and cramps.
Meanwhile, 14 malaria cases were detected recently in Ampang, Selangor. The first case was detected on May 30.
Thirteen are workers at a construction site while one case involves a local resident. The cause of the infection is being investigated.
On April 25, Health Director-General Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah said although Malaysia is battling Covid-19, the healthcare system is still keeping close tabs on malaria.
According to Noor Hisham, Malaysia has achieved zero indigenous human malaria infection since 2018. However, zoonotic malaria from monkeys and imported malaria cases were still prevalent.
Symptoms suggestive of malaria include fever, chills and rigours.
As for dengue, 53,396 cases have been recorded from Dec 29, 2019 to yesterday. A total of 90 deaths were reported from Dec 29, 2019 until June 20.
The highest number of cases were reported in Selangor (29,703), followed by Kuala Lumpur (5,529), Johor (4,999), Sabah (2529), Perak (1,955) and Kelantan (1,899).
Dengue symptoms are high fever, rashes, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, and muscle and joint pains.
Four new Covid-19 cases were recorded today, bringing the total number of cases to 8,600.
WELL DONE MALAYSIA
Today is a milestone of sorts for Malaysia. It’s been 100 days since the Movement Control Order (MCO) was imposed on March 18.
Twentytwo13 senior copy editor Purwaiz Alam says that it’s a notable day because we’ve come far in the war against Covid-19.
He warns the war is far from over and while there’s much uncertainty, we must move forward.
SABAH WELCOMES FOREIGN INVESTORS
Foreign investors are allowed to enter Sabah starting today.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal said traders and investors must fill in a health declaration form and comply with the Health Department’s standard operating procedures. They will also be subjected to rules set by the Immigration Department and other authorities
UNITED AGAINST ATTACKS ON SAUDI
Malaysia joins Britain and France in condemning a missile and drone attack on Saudi Arabia by Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthi militia. Malaysia’s Foreign Affairs Ministry said further acts of aggression will only exacerbate the situation in Yemen.
“Malaysia continues to call on all parties to work constructively towards a political settlement for lasting peace in Yemen,” Wisma Putra said in a statement.
WASTED EFFORT?
Millions of taxpayers’ ringgit were channelled into the National Football Development Programme (NFDP) which focused entirely on technical development and did little for talent placements, writes Twentytwo13 contributor Muhammad Yunus Zakariah.
