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.
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
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