THE Pontian district health office has received a report on a Japanese encephalitis (JE) case involving a Bangladeshi man.

The report was made last Wednesday.

Johor health director Dr Aman Rabu said the patient was admitted to Sultanah Aminah Hospital in Johor Baru on May 21 for fever and signs of brain infection.

He was treated for meningeal encephalitis, and discharged on June 3.

However, reports from the National Public Health Laboratory showed the victim to be positive for JE, said Dr Aman in a statement today.

“The Pontian district health office then carried out field investigations as the patient works at a factory in Ulu Choh.

“Case detection has been carried out at the patient’s residence and workplace, as well as nearby government and private health facilities. A total of 390 people were screened for JE symptoms, such as high fever, headache, neck stiffness, muscle weakness and seizures.”

He said no new cases were detected, and the sole patient is deemed a “sporadic incident”.

“Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of infection in the area. To reduce the risk of infection, people are advised to avoid outdoors activities in the evening, and to wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers to prevent mosquito bites.

“They are also advised to seek medical treatment immediately if they have a fever.” – Bernama, June 29, 2020.