1.The burden of human influenza in Malaysia
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2015;70(3):127-130
Seasonal and pandemic influenza causes considerable
morbidity and mortality globally, but the burden of disease is
understudied and underreported in developing countries
such as Malaysia. Before considering the cost-effectiveness
of introducing interventions such as vaccines to control
influenza, it is imperative to determine clinical and
socioeconomic impact of the disease. This review
summarises the main available literature on human
influenza in Malaysia, the possible reasons for the lack of
study and awareness of influenza, and important knowledge
gaps for future study.
Influenza, Human
2.Zika virus and its potential re-emergence in Malaysia
Jamal I-Ching Sam ; Yoke Fun Chan ; Indra Vythilingam ; Wan Yusoff Wan Sulaiman
The Medical Journal of Malaysia 2016;71(2):66-68
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.
Zika Virus