Two Strains of Zika Reported in Malaysia

The Malaysian Minister of Health reported a Zika study showing that there are two strains, both of Asian lineage.

One case is similar to the one reported in Brazil and Singapore (French Polynesia), while the other is a local strain (Micronesia).

This research study was conducted by Specialist Virology at the Institute for Medical Research (IMR).

The first case reported from Johor, the genome sequence resembles the French Polynesia strain.

While the genome sequence in Sabah in the second reported case, resembles the genome sequence of a local strain seen in Malaysia called Micronesia.

Additionally, the issue of abortion and Zika is a topic in Malaysia.

The Health Ministry will be meeting with the National Fatwa Council to discuss what medical advice will be presented for pregnant women infected with the Zika virus.

Datuk Seri Dr S.Subramaniam said, “The Cabinet has instructed the ministry to discuss the matter after taking scientific and Islamic perspectives into consideration.”

“Our stand on abortion is that it is allowed if there is a health risk to the pregnant mother,” the health minister said.