The Health Ministry is monitoring the development concerning Japanese Encephalitis (JE) cases each week as 16 cases with four deaths have been recorded so far.

Two of the deaths due to JE occurred in Sabah, one in Kelantan and another one in Selangor.

Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr S. Subramaniam said the ministry had received a report last Friday about a 12-year-old boy suffering from JE and in critical condition in Penang.

He said the Penang and Kedah health departments had investigated the case and had taken control measures at the boy's school in Seberang Perai Utara, as well as at his home in Padang Serai, Kedah.

Among the measures were by identifying other students and residents with possible JE symptoms, fogging the areas, destroying mosquito breeding grounds and enhancing awareness of the residents in the area and students at the school.

"Initial investigation found that the patient in Penang was exposed to the bite of JE virus-carrier mosquitoes while participating in a camping activity in the school compound between April 24 and 26.

"This was because the school is in the high-risk area as it is located near pig farms," he said in a statement yesterday.

As such, he said the school had also been advised to seek advice from the District Health Office before carrying out any activities in the school compound.

"Pig farm workers as well as residents in nearby areas must also take precautionary measures to avoid mosquito bites by reducing outdoor activities at dawn and dusk, wearing long sleeves shirts and pants, and using aerosol spray to kill mosquitoes," he said.

Those with fever symptoms were also advised to seek immediate medical attention, he added.