Zika virus and its potential re-emergence in Malaysia
- Author:
Jamal I-Ching Sam
;
Yoke Fun Chan
;
Indra Vythilingam
;
Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman
- Publication Type:Letter
- Keywords:
Zika virus;
arboviru;
, flavivirus;
emerging infectious disease;
epidemiology;
Malaysia
- MeSH:
Zika Virus
- From:
The Medical Journal of Malaysia
2016;71(2):66-68
- CountryMalaysia
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Zika virus (ZIKV) has re-emerged to cause explosive
epidemics in the Pacific and Latin America, and appears to
be associated with severe neurological complications
including microcephaly in babies. ZIKV is transmitted to
humans by Aedes mosquitoes, principally Ae. aegypti, and
there is historical evidence of ZIKV circulation in Southeast
Asia. It is therefore clear that Malaysia is at risk of similar
outbreaks. Local and international guidelines are available
for surveillance, diagnostics, and management of exposed
and infected individuals. ZIKV is the latest arbovirus to have
spread globally beyond its initial restricted niche, and is
unlikely to be the last. Innovative new methods for
surveillance and control of vectors are needed to target
mosquito-borne diseases as a whole.
- Full text:P020160628397794061899.pdf
