The Minister of health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has said that the mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus are in Nigeria and urged Nigerians to protect themselves by using mosquito nets.
He made the call to Nigerians to remain calm, be vigilant and report any suspected case of acute febrile illness (especially in pregnant women) to the nearest health facility.
The minister for health made this disclosure at a press briefing, held yesterday in Abuja, where he explained that the Aedes Aegypti specie of mosquitoes where active in Nigeria, adding that they bite during the day and early morning.
He said: ‘’Nigerian scientists working in western Nigeria in 1954 discovered Zika virus in Nigeria. Further studies in the years 1975 to 1979 showed that 40 percent of Nigerian adults and 25 percent of Nigerian children have antibodies to Zika virus, meaning they are protected against this virus.
Despite the fact that some Nigerians are immune to the Zika virus infection demonstrated by previous studies, it is important and advisable that Nigerians should be careful and protect themselves from mosquito bites. There is currently no vaccine for Zika Virus and no cure other than rest, plenty of fluids and perhaps over-the-counter medication to reduce fevers, aches and pains. This therefore means that prevention is the most effective means of controlling Zika virus disease’’
The minister for health advices all Nigerians, particularly pregnant women to avoid travelling to countries infected by this virus during this period of outbreak. If however, you are to visit any country where Zika virus is now being actively transmitted, protect yourselves from mosquito bites.
Pregnant women considering travel to affected areas may also wish to consult their healthcare provider prior to travel and after return. They should also practise personal and household steps to prevent mosquito bites such as applying mosquito repellents on cloths and skin, wear long sleeves and pants, sleeping underneath mosquito nets at night where possible.
Source: Vanguard newspaper