Zika screening intensified at all major entry points

BALIK PULAU: Malaysia has intensified 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 are 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.

“But so far, there has been no new cases in Malaysia,” he told reporters after presenting contributions to the needy in the Balik Pulau parliamentary constituency yesterday.

At the event, a total of 850 recipients received cash assistance, rice and other necessities.

Yesterday, Singapore confirmed two new cases of the zika virus, bringing the total number of reported cases in the republic to eight.

In September last year, a woman from Bandar Botanic, Klang in Selangor, became the first Malaysian infected with zika after visiting her daughter, who was also infected with the virus, in Singapore.

In another development, Dr Hilmi, who is also Balik Pulau MP, denied that the Health Ministry had banned the sale of a popular brand of dates after reports on social media claimed they contained worms. — Bernama