TWO cases of Japanese encephalitis (JE) have been reported in Sg Bakap, Seberang Prai Selatan, said the Penang Health Department.

The department’s statement on the matter did not provide further details.

It said all health facilities in the state are taking precautionary measures and increasing their level of preparedness.

“They will quickly report suspected cases to the district health office to enable disease-control activities to be carried out immediately.

“The last case of the mosquito-borne viral infection reported in Penang was in 2018.”

Starting May 12, it said, the Seberang Prai Selatan district health office has carried out case-detection efforts by making house-to-house visits in Sg Bakap and identifying individuals displaying symptoms such as headache, high fever, neck stiffness, convulsions, muscle weakness and cramps – all present in those suffering from JE.

Operations to destroy mosquito breeding grounds and fogging will continue in the locality.

JE affects both humans and animals. It can be passed on to humans by animals bitten by an infected Culex mosquito. – Bernama, June 25, 2020.