Risks of Zika infection throughout pregnancy

Hospital Pusrawi Sdn Bhd obstetrician and gynecologist Dr Habibah Abd Ghani said ultrasound tests can be done when the age of the foetus is 18 weeks and above but it cannot verify whether it has been infected with the Zika virus or other illnesses.

She told Bernama that women who are confirmed in pregnancy are advised to constantly do a routine check each month to see the condition of the baby's development, especially the head circumference.

"Currently, our medical technology is unable to verify accurately that the infected mother will cause the baby to be born with a small head (microcephaly)," she said.

Dr Habibah said, it is hard to detect babies that have been infected with Zika virus although the mother is positive with Zika.

Thus, Dr Habibah urged pregnant women to get information from specialists on the risks of pregnancy and its aftermath on their life.

"According to the current legislation, abortion is permissible if the condition endangers the pregnant mother.

"But, in the case of Zika, it does not endanger the mother but in the long term it can influence the social life of the couple, the child's life and that of the future generation, if left unmonitored," she reminded.

Meanwhile, Islamic Medical Association of Malaysia (IMAM) deputy president Dr Jamali Wagiman suggested that the Health Ministry forms a Biomedical Ethics committee which will include specialists in obstetrics, contagious diseases, psychiatrists, bio ethics specialists and religious figures from recognised institutions.

He said with the presence of the committee, decisions that are safer and fairer can be made for the patient and the unborn child, avoiding conflict between medical practice and Islamic laws.

"As the risks and complications of the Zika virus are still at an early stage where information is still limited, the public is advised to not spread rumours or believe in alleged Zika treatment spread by irresponsible parties on the social media.