Johor on alert for Zika

JOHOR BARU: Johor is closely monitoring for Zika cases in the state following reports of two new cases in Singapore.  

State Health, Environment, Education and Information committee chairman Datuk Ayub Rahmat  said the focus would be on two land links to Singapore - the Johor Causeway and the Second Link Crossing in Tanjung Kupang, Gelang Patah.  

"Thousands of people are using both links daily and we are monitoring the situation," he said in a statement on Sunday.  

Ayub said staff from the state Health Department would monitor the body temperature of travellers at the Johor Causeway and the Second Link Crossing using thermal scanners, which have been set up.  

"We are also taking preventive measures in housing estates or locations where many Malaysians live and travel regularly to the republic," he added. 

Ayub said that the state Health Department would deploy more medical staff at the two entry points if more Zika cases were reported in Singapore. 

It was reported on Saturday that Malaysia had tightened health screenings at all entry points, especially in Johor, following reports of two new cases of the Zika virus in Singapore. 

Deputy Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Hilmi Yahaya said so far, there were no reports of the mosquito-borne viral infection involving Malaysians. 

"I want the Johor Health Department to be more careful and alert, and perform more stringent monitoring, especially at the Malaysia-Singapore entrance. 

"We have body temperature sensors that can detect those having fever at entry points in Johor, and if there are cases of Zika, health officials must take appropriate action," he added.