JE patient Muhammad Ammar Muqrish to be moved to ordinary ward

Muhammad Ammar Muqrish Zulkifli, 12, who was infected with the Japanese Encephalitis virus, will be moved to an ordinary ward within two days, depending on his state of health.

His mother Haniza Ayub, 40, said her son was still being treated at the Cardiology Care Unit in a private hospital in Bayan Lepas here and was showing good progress.

"His doctor informed me today that Ammar was getting better and suffering less fits while his heart rate and blood pressure are more stable.

"If his condition continues to improve, the doctor said Ammar may be moved to an ordinary ward tomorrow or the day after. Our family is hoping he will get better soon," she told Bernama here today.

She added that Ammar had regained consciousness and responded each time his name was called.

"Ammar is a strong boy, I believe he is fighting this disease. He has started responding to everyone and will smile when his name is called," she said.

Meanwhile, Penang Health Director Datuk Dr Lailanor Ibrahim, when contacted, said Norain Nasuha Shukri, two, who was also infected with JE, was still being treated in the Penang Hospital.

Dr Lailanor said although she was getting better, Norain Nasuha still had to undergo physiotherapy so that she could walk as usual.

"She is also showing good response to the treatment," he said.

Dr Lailanor said the department was continuing its efforts to control and detect active cases around Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor, near here to prevent the JE virus from spreading.

"We are also monitoring the health condition of the villagers to ensure they are free from the virus," he said.

Last Wednesday, Norain Nasuha was confirmed to be infected with the JE virus after a blood test found her positive.

This was the third case after a standard Six pupil of the Sekolah Kebangsaan Kampung Selamat, Tasek Gelugor near here, Muhammad Ammar Muqrish was confirmed to be infected with the same virus and treated in a private hospital in Bayan Baru here.

The first case involved a man, aged 18 years, in Lorong Seratus Tahun, near here, who is now in the process of recovery.