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UAE free from Zika virus: Ministry of Health

 

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UAE free from Zika virus: Ministry of Health
City workers fumigate a park as part of preventive measures against the Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases in Santa Tecla, El Salvador

Dubai - The virus, that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, is not known to the UAE and cannot thrive here, says the doctor.

By Asma Ali Zain

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Published: Sun 31 Jan 2016, 11:00 PM

Last updated: Tue 2 Feb 2016, 3:06 PM

No cases of Zika virus have been detected in the UAE so far and there is no risk for local transmission, said a senior official from the Ministry of Health (MoH).
However, the MoH has urged people to take proper precautions before travelling to areas where Zika virus is spreading - currently South America and the Caribbean.
Dr Hussein Abdul Rahman Al Rand, Assistant Undersecretary for Health Centres and Clinics at the health ministry, said the virus, that is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, is not known to the UAE and cannot thrive here.
"The disease usually is a mild one and there is no specific treatment or vaccination. So far, no cases have been detected in the UAE," he told Khaleej Times.
However, an expert on infectious diseases working in a government hospital, who did not want to reveal his identity, said that the UAE does not have testing kits for the virus as of yet.
"Even if someone is infected, it is not likely that we will know since we do not have the facilities to diagnose it. We are waiting for kits from the WHO."
The source, however, also said that there was no reason to panic.
"The virus is like any other influenza virus and has been linked to complications in pregnant women who later gave birth to babies with brain damage."
Dr Rand said currently the main action required from the ministry was to increase awareness of people travelling to areas where Zika virus is present.
"This can be done through using insect repellents; 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," he added.
asmaalizain@khaleejtimes.com


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