Recently the Health Ministry in a statement revealed there is a high chance of the Zika virus reaching our country.
As written by a writer on (FT 05/02/16), obviously the warning by the authorities should not be taken lightly. The virus has been seen to be a deadly one and many people have suffered and are suffering in affected countries.
Zika virus is spread through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pains, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.
The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya spread through the same mosquitoes that transmit Zika.
There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika infections.
We have read and seen how deadly the Zika virus is. In affected countries there has been quite a number of birth defects. Babies are either born with little heads, brain defects or are born dead.
The Zika virus is spreading around Brazil, America, Colombia and some other parts of the world.
Some of the countries with active Zika virus transmission in Oceania/ Pacific Islands are American Samoa, Samoa and Tonga.
There is no guarantee that it cannot reach Fiji. Therefore, it is our duty and responsibility to keep our yards and surroundings clean.
We must destroy all breeding places of mosquitoes.
I, as a concerned citizen of Fiji, would advise people to avoid travelling to places that are currently suffering from Zika virus. We must understand and take protective measures. The awareness raised by the Health Ministry about this Zika virus is to be taken seriously.
Indar Jit
Navua
