Najib: Take preventive measures against Zika virus and dengue fever

KUALA LUMPUR: Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak has instructed the Health Ministry to take preventive measures against dengue fever and Zika virus.

He also wanted all parties, including government agencies, non-governmental organisations and the people in general, to join hands in eradicating Aedes mosquitoes, the agent of infection for both diseases.

"I am aware of the dengue situation in several areas in the country and also the concerns of the public regarding the alarming spread of Zika virus in many areas in America," he said in the latest posting in his blog, NajibRazak.com.

Najib said more rigorous monitoring was needed, as Malaysia’s hot weather was very conducive for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.

"We need to prevent and destroy the source or vector of both diseases, that is Aedes mosquitoes. Do not give them any room to breed," he said.

Following the spread of Zika virus, the World Health Organisation has declared it to be a Public Health Emergency Of International Concern (PHEIC). – Bernama