CYBERJAYA: While Malaysia remains free of the hantavirus, cautionary measures are being carried out, including placing international entry points on high alert and ramping up maritime inspections to keep the rodent-borne disease at bay, says the Health Minister.
Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad assured the public that the country’s healthcare system is fully equipped to detect and treat the virus, with the Institute for Medical Research (IMR) ready to conduct polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests.
He said no hantavirus cases have been reported in Malaysia so far or those involving Malaysians, adding that the six lab- confirmed cases recently highlighted in the media were reported overseas.
However, he stressed that the country must remain vigilant against the rodent-borne virus.
“We do not want to be alarmist, but we also do not want the people to be complacent. No country is safe unless we take precautionary measures and remain prepared,” he told a press conference yesterday.
The hantavirus is a rodent-borne virus transmitted to humans through air contaminated with rat urine, droppings or saliva.
Dzulkefly said the virus can cause acute respiratory syndrome, similar in nature to SARS, and in more severe cases, it can lead to haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome or kidney complications.
“This is what we are conducting PCR tests for.
“Our standard diagnostics and tests are ready. Health offices at all international entry points are also prepared and will continue to strengthen sanitation activities,” he said.
Dzulkefly also urged the public to play their part by maintaining high levels of environmental cleanliness to keep rodent populations at bay, and to seek immediate medical treatment if they experience any symptoms.
To fortify the nation’s borders, Dzulkefly said strict monitoring is being enforced on the maritime sector, with health inspections mandated for all ships and vessels entering Malaysian waters, especially those arriving from high-risk areas.
He said that up to May, a total of 22,367 ships and boats have been inspected at Malaysia’s entry points.
From these inspections, he said, 2,421 free pratique certificates and 1,146 ship sanitation certificates have been issued.
“These steps are crucial to ensure that vessels entering our country comply with international public health and sanitation requirements,” he said.
A Pratique Certificate, or Certificate of Free Pratique, is an official document issued by port health authorities allowing a vessel to enter a port, board or disembark, certifying that the ship is free from infectious disease.
Dzulkefly outlined a four-pronged approach taken by the ministry to tackle the threat of the virus, which includes global surveillance and information sharing, strict border controls, targeted maritime monitoring and community empowerment.
