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MoH Issue Preventive Measures to Eradicate Zika Virus
August 31st, 2016 | 09:50 AM | 1306 views
BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN
The recent outbreak of cases of Zika virus in Singapore and more active transmission in Latin America and the Caribbean have got many of us worried. What is Zika and should the authorities be doing more about it?
What is Zika?
The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease that in most cases results in either no symptoms or only very mild flu-like illness. Other symptoms can include a rash, conjunctivitis and generalised weakness.
There is no specific vaccine and treatment is mainly supportive. The symptoms of Zika virus and its mode of transmission is very similar to other diseases like dengue and chikungunya which are endemic in Brunei Darussalam.
In rare cases, Zika virus can cause severe neurological complications such as paralysis or muscle weakness, and in pregnant women has been shown to increase the risk of congenital birth defects in the developing foetus resulting in a condition called microcephaly (small head circumference) which is a sign of incomplete brain development.
That sounds scary. How is Zika spread?
Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquitoes. You can also get Zika through intercourse. Although no cases of Zika have been reported in Brunei, many areas of the country have the type of mosquitoes that can spread
Zika virus (the Aedes mosquito). These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and can also bite at night. A possible mechanism of spread in a country that has never before had Zika is through introduction of the virus into the mosquito population. Returning travellers infected with Zika can spread the virus through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people and it becomes transmitted locally within the community.
That's not good. Can we do anything to control it?
The main strategy to prevent the introduction of Zika in the community is through the control of the mosquito population. The Aedes mosquito proliferates in many purposely-filled household containers and those used for decorative plants, as well as rain-filled habitats.
Typically, these mosquitoes do not fly far. The majority remain within 100 metres of where they emerged, feeding almost entirely on humans mainly during daylight hours both indoors and outdoors.
What are the authorities doing to protect me from this disease?
The Ministry of Health (MoH) regularly conducts surveillance activities at known mosquito hotshots. We use the Integrated Vector Management (NM) to control mosquito vectors, including those of dengue, chikungunya and to prevent against transmission of Zika. Control of adult mosquitoes through fogging is the most familiar aspect of mosquito control to most of the public.
Great. So fogging with insecticides will keep me safe?
Over time and repeated use, insecticide resistance can occur in mosquito populations. Insecticide resistance is an overall reduction in the ability of an insecticide product to kill mosquitoes. This means that over time the product no longer works, or only partially works.
Furthermore, during periods of heavy rain, many of these insecticides get washed away to rivers and waterways and no longer have any discernable effect on the mosquito population. Long-term and repeated use may also pollute these rivers and waterways.
What does it mean to eradicate breeding sites? Is this something that I should be doing?
Mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water. Here are some tips to ensure that we keep our home and surroundings mosquito free:
• When not in use, it is important that we turn over all water containers and keep them dry, and cover all containers that contain water.
• Discard unwanted plastic cups or water bottles into the litter bin.
• On alternate days, change water in vases and scrub the vases to remove mosquito larvae.
• Once a week, clear fallen leaves in drains and gardens and check that drains are free flowing and not blocked.
So what are the take-home messages?
Self-initiative for source reduction and environmental sanitation in our homes and community is the key to ensuring sustainable and effective control of the mosquito population and reducing the risk of diseases such as dengue and Zika to ourselves and our children.
The Minister of Health, Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Dr Awang Haji Zulkarnain bin Haji Hanafi expressed his concern with respect to the ongoing Zika virus situation in the region.
The minister said, "The ministry takes the protection and wellbeing of the public extremely seriously. We will continue to monitor the emerging Zika virus situation working closely with our counterparts in Singapore and technical experts from the World Health Organization (WHO) to ensure that the risk to Brunei Darussalam is contained. Each and everyone of us must play our part in taclding this challenge to ensure our national health security."
"Following these simple measures can ensure that we have a clean and healthy environment for our children to grow up in and is one important way of protecting and providing for our families. Health is everyone's business. Let us all do our part in building a healthy and disease-free Brunei Darussalam," added the minister.
For further information questions on the Zika virus and mosquito-borne diseases, the public can visit the MoH website at www.moh.gov.bn or call Darussalam line 123.
Source:
@BRUDIRECT.COM
by BruDirect.com
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