Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Health Minister Dr. Joseph Kasonde
HEALTH Minister Joseph Kasonde has assured the nation that there is presently no active case of ZIKA virus in the country, the mosquito transmitted virus which results in new born babies having small heads associated with under developed brains.
Dr. Kasonde has told Parliament in a ministerial statement on the outbreak of the ZIKA virus in South America with Brazil being the worst hit, that considering the wide distribution of the mosquito that carries the Zika virus, all the countries in the African region are at risk of Zika virus transmission.
He says travelers going to Zika transmission areas must seek professional advice on the potential risks and appropriate measures to reduce the possibility of exposure to mosquito bites.
Dr. Kasonde says to protect people from Zika disease, the Ministry of Health will step up activities by screening at points of entry,conduct active case finding detection referral including community based case surveillance, educate the public about the risks associated with Zika virus and continue to implement vector control measures through the National Malaria Control programme.
He adds that the ministry of Health will also enhance laboratory confirmation procedures and monitor pregnant women for detection of microcephaly and neurological complications.