Malaysians were advised to take precautious measures and refrain from going to South America on Wednesday as the government has shown concern over the Zika virus.

Health Minister S.Subramaniam said in a statement that government has taken measures to prevent transmission of Zika virus in the country, following World Health Organization (WHO)'s declaration of an international health emergency.

These preventive measures include setting up systems to monitor and handle potential infection cases, strengthening surveillance and response on foreign arrivals.

As for Tuesday, 293 sample with potential risks of Zika infections were tested with all results showing negative, according to the statement.

The government also issued travel advisory for its citizens not to visit the 26 countries in Caribbean, South and Central America where Zika virus has been reported.

It also urges pregnant women to postpone visit to foreign countries to lower the risk of infection. Birth defections have been found among those babies whose mothers had infested with Zika Virus.

Zika is transmitted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat the disease. Malaysia is wary as Aedes also transmit dengue, a major health concern in the country.

Malaysia's weather was very conducive for the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes.

Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak said in his blog that he had instructed the Health Ministry to take preventive measures against dengue and Zika virus. Endit

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