REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- The Indonesian government has issued a travel advisory over the Zika virus outbreak in a bid to prevent the disease from spreading to the country.

"Yes, a travel advisory has been issued through the Foreign Affairs Ministry to disseminate information. This aims to protect Indonesian people from contracting the Zika virus," spokesman of the Health Ministry Oscar Primadi noted in a statement, here, Thursday (9/1).

The travel advisory is issued particularly for Indonesians intending to travel to countries affected by the Zika virus.

Indonesia has taken the step following the Singaporean government's announcement on Zika cases in the neighboring country.

Indonesians visiting Zika-affected nations are advised to protect themselves from being bitten by mosquitoes by wearing clothes that cover their body, arms, and limbs; using mosquito repellents; using screens on windows and doors; and sleeping under mosquito nets.

In case a person falls ill, he/she is advised to immediately see a doctor.

Pregnant women are advised to avoid areas affected by the Zika virus.

Those who have recently visited countries with reported cases of Zika virus are advised to undergo medical examination within 14 days of their arrival.

Regions sharing their borders with affected countries are advised to implement vector control strategies by eradicating the breeding grounds of mosquitoes.

Countries, including the United Kingdom, Australia, and Taiwan, have issued travel advisories for tourists visiting Singapore after the city-state announced a further rise in Zika cases.

Singapore has, so far, confirmed 115 cases of Zika virus infection.

On Thursday, Malaysia reported its first case of Zika virus infection. A woman in Klang of Selangor state tested positive for the disease a week after her return from Singapore on Aug. 21, Health Minister Dr S. Subramaniam stated.

The Zika virus is transmitted mainly by Aedes mosquitoes and has been linked to a rare birth defect known as microcephaly in babies whose mothers suffered from the virus during pregnancy. Symptoms include fever, skin rash, red eyes, muscle and joint pain, malaise, or headache.

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