LGUs asked to conduct info drive on Zika virus

PALO, Leyte, Feb. 22 (PNA) -– The Department of Health (DOH) regional office here has called on local government units (LGUs) to conduct information drive on Zika virus in the bid to raise public awareness about this mosquito-borne disease.

The DOH field office sent the first Zika virus advisory to all LGUs since the virus plagued countries in Latin America and the Caribbean.

The advisory informs the public on the key facts about the disease, transmission, signs and symptoms, complication, prevention, and treatment.

“We have sent the Zika virus advisory last week together with our dengue advisory to local government units.

 The regional office will initiate the printing of information materials for distribution to hospitals and rural health units,” said DOH regional information officer Ma. Elena Joy Villarosa.

The DOH asked the public to avoid infection by preventing mosquito bites through use of insect repellents, use of window and door screens, wearing of long-sleeved shirts and longs pants. 

On a weekly basis, households are advised to empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys or trash containers.

Villarosa said the region is vulnerable to Zika virus since the same type of mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya exists in the region.

From January to third week of February, there are at least 458 dengue cases in the region with one death from Maasin City.

Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito in tropical regions.

“The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting two to seven days, but we are more concerned with the complication for pregnant women. The baby inside the womb may develop abnormality in the size of its head due to incomplete brain development called microcephaly. 

The virus has also been associated with the Guillain-Barre syndrome, a poorly understood condition that sometimes results in paralysis. (PNA)
FFC/SQM