The mother of a 12-year-old boy who was believed to have been infected with the Japanese encephalitis (JE) virus said she did not blame any party for the incident but hoped the source of the disease could be traced speedily to prevent others from becoming victims.

Haniza Ayob, 40, a factory worker in Bayan Lepas, said Muhammad Ammar Muqrish Zulkifli was having high fever after returning home to Tasek Gelugor, from a character building camp organised by his school on April 24 until April 26.

He was treated at Kepala Batas Hospital before being transferred to the coronary care unit (CCU) at a private hospital in George Town on May 21.

"He constantly has seizures. The doctor said his brain is swollen. But he can still recognise me. When I hold his hand, he would grasp it and blink when I call his name," she told reporters when met at the private hospital yesterday.

She said Muhammad Ammar Muqrish, the eldest of five siblings, was a cheerful and helpful boy.

"He never stayed out overnight and seldom went anywhere for long except to school and tuition," she said.

Haniza said after 17 days in the CCU, her son was moved to the common ward and discharged on June 17 but his condition deteriorated and he had since been receiving treatment at the CCU.

Nevertheless, she was still hopeful for her son to recover and lead a normal life again.

Muhammad Ammar Muqrish's medical expenses has reached RM87,636 and members of the public who wished to help ease Haniza's burden can channel their contribution to her Maybank account, 152116152359.

- Bernama

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