By MATTHEW VARI
Sunday, February 21, 2016 (Sunday Chronicle, PNG)
THE National Department of Health (NDOH) has appealed to resident in the country to exercise care in terms of the exposure of pregnant mothers to mosquitoes running the risk of potential Zika virus infection.
Despite there being no confirmed cases reported in the country so far- it comes amid the onsets of rains in the last two weeks with major concern for urban areas that may be exposed via international port arrivals from visitors overseas.
Manager for Disease Surveillance and Emergency Response, Berry Ropa, said that the disease was tricky in the sense that its symptoms are shared by other mosquito related diseases like dengue and chikungunya.
“The most important to note is that, there are other diseases that present with similar signs and symptoms like dengue and chikungunya. We have provided the infromation below to our health workers and the public on how they can help to protect themselves what they must do to reduce mosquitoes breeding their home,” Mr Ropa said.
“A definite relationship has not been established between Zika and microcephaly or Guillain-Barré Syndrome. As a precaution, NDOH recommends limiting exposure to mosquitoes, especially for pregnant women.”
“Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact have been reported.”
“Individuals can protect the body from mosquito bites, for example by: using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets especially during the day when Aedes mosquitoes are most active.”
He said that containers that can hold even small amounts of clear water such as buckets, flower pots, or car tyres should be emptied, cleaned or covered to prevent mosquito breeding, along with the use of insecticides.
“Patients suspected of having Zika virus (or dengue or chikungunya) who are kept at the health facility should be kept under a mosquito net for the duration of their illness, especially during the febrile phase, to prevent mosquitoes from biting them and spreading their infection to others. Patients who are sent home should be advised to do the same when they get home.”
“NDOH recommends that pregnant women living in or considering travel to affected areas consult with their public health or travel authorities.”
“If pregnant women feel they have been exposed to Zika virus, they should consult with their health-care provider for close monitoring of their pregnancy.”
He added that ongoing testing of previous mosquito illness related samples were ongoing with no confirmed cases as yet, however, added that the chances of its occurrence is possible with the existence of the main carrier mosquito species.
“Because, we do have the mosquito that can breed and spread the virus, yes it could well cause outbreaks.”
“Therefore, people should take note of the Department advice on public health measures.”
There is no vaccine yet against Zika virus.
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