KUCHING: The Ministry of Health Malaysia (MOH) yesterday issued a press statement, saying that it took note of the viral message in Sarawak about one Japanese Encephalitis (JE) case reported from Taman Sentoria, Jalan Stakan, Kota Samarahan to the Sarawak State Health Department (JKN).
“The JE case involved a 7-year-old child who was admitted to the Sarawak General Hospital on 25 May, 2017 with symptoms of fever, headache and behavioral change and positive JE confirmed through Cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid and blood test results. The patient was given treatment and was allowed to return home on 5 June, 2017.
“JKN Sarawak has implemented control and prevention measures on this incident through the fungal spraying and larviciding activity to kill mosquito larvae in the case area, distribution of notification letters to schools and residents in affected areas, ensuring coverage of the JE vaccine is one hundred percent among children and teens aged 15 and under, immediate monitoring through reporting from all government clinics and hospitals including private and enhancing JE’s health education activities and preventive measures to the local community,” said MOH.
It added: “The Japanese Encephalitis (JE) disease is caused by a virus transmitted through the bite of Culex mosquitoes from infected pigs to humans. However, transmission of the virus cannot occur from humans (individuals) that are infected with other humans. JE virus lives in animals like pigs, wild birds and horses.
“JE disease can be prevented through vaccine delivery to individuals at risk for example pig breeding farms and populations living near this farm.
“In Sarawak, all infants born will be given JE vaccine, the first dose at 9 months of age and the second dose (“booster”) at the age of 21 months, according to the Immunisation Programme Schedule of Sarawak.
“The programme started in 2001 when the JE cases reported in Sarawak were high – 33 cases a year.
“After 10 years of the JE Immunisation programme, the number of cases has decreased to only 4 cases in 2010. In 2017 from January to 1 July, only 3 cases were reported in Sarawak.
“Parents, especially in the state of Sarawak, have to ensure that children under their care have the JE vaccine injection. People are urged to take precautionary measures to protect themselves against mosquito bites by using repressors, especially when conducting outdoor activities and sleeping under mosquito nets or installing mosquito/insect tissues on the windows.
“Communities are also encouraged to use aerosol spray to kill adult mosquitoes inside the house.
“Individuals with symptomatic fever, body aches, joint pains, vomiting or headache are advised to get immediate treatment at nearby clinics or hospitals. Early detection and treatment can save lives and prevent JE complications.”
