Protect Yourself from Zika

Malaysia has confirmed its first Zika infection case at the Sungai Buloh Hospital, in a woman who recently travelled to Singapore. Malaysia is now on high alert for any spread of the mosquito-borne virus.

How do people become infected?

credit : M+ Pharmacy

How to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites

credit : CDC

• Use Insect Repellent. Click here for more in depth details on types of repellents and how to apply repellents on babies and children. Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months old. Buying repellent with active DEET is encouraged as it is more effective, but if your child has G6PD deficiency, you can opt for a DEET free option. There’s even one with sunscreen in it.
• Protect your baby or child or yourself by dressing in clothing that covers arms and legs. You can also cover their crib, stroller, your bed and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
• Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. Check inside and outside your home. Mosquitoes lay eggs near water.

Plan for travel

• Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries and territories. Avoid traveling to places with Zika
• Check travel notices
• See a doctor or healthcare professional if you feel sick after your return from your trip to affected areas or if  you have any of the symptoms.

Protect yourself during sex

Studies are underway to find out how long Zika stays in the semen and vaginal fluids of people who have Zika, and how long it can be passed to sex partners. Zika can remain in semen longer than in other body fluids, including vaginal fluids, urine, and blood.

Condoms can reduce the chance of getting Zika from sex.

• Condoms include male and female condoms.
• To be effective, condoms should be used from start to finish

credit : CDC – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Meanwhile back in KL

credit : Star

The first Zika patient in the country is recuperating well at the Sungai Buloh Hospital.

“We will be doing a blood test on her today and if it turns out to be negative, we can let her go home in a few days’ time,” Datuk Dr. Christopher Lee (Infectious Disease Head, Sungai Buloh Hospital) told Star today.