FG orders for Zika virus screening

The minister of health, Prof Isaac Adewole stated that the federal government of Nigeria has ordered the screening of people coming from countries presently facing the outbreak of Zika virus.

He said this at a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, February 11.

The minister noted that the move would prevent an outbreak of the disease in Nigeria, as the country is currently attacking Lassa fever outbreak which has so far claimed about 108 lives.

Adewole confirmed that the ministry of health has joined the ministry of environment to hurriedly embark on reduction of mosquito population campaigns that will include the use of insecticide that kills the mosquito in its larval stage, (Larvicide).

He stated that the National Center for Disease Control (NCDC) has also been directed to enhance Zika virus surveillance activities and work with the Arbovirus research centre, Enugu to embark on countries vector control and research activities that would confirm the current circulation status of both Zika virus and the mosquitoes that spread it.

“Nigerians returning from these countries should report themselves to any nearest health centers if they start to feel any sickness that requires care, and such a person should inform the healthcare workers about their travel history, " He said.

“I have instructed the Port Health Services of my ministry to immediately adjust and include points of entry screening to capture anti-Zika activities.”

“All health facilities in the country are hereby directed to emphasize routine infection prevention and control measures and ensure all pregnant women receive special attention and are treated free, in case of presentation with symptoms similar to any viral haemorrhagic fever.”

He called on the  public to maintain hygienic environment and avoid creation of mosquito breeding grounds around homes and surroundings. He urged states to begin anti-mosquito campaign and inspection.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has advised pregnant women on the need to prevent themselves from getting infected with the virus.

Zika virus which is caused by microcephaly; a health condition which results in abnormal smallness of the head, a congenital condition associated with incomplete brain development.

In recent times, Brazil has been the most infected country of Zika since the outbreak which has affected more than 30 countries.


Source: naij