As increasing number of Zika Virus cases are being reported in the neighbouring countries, the health ministry has upped surveillance system in the country.
The virus is spread by mosquitoes, and also transmitted through sexual intercourse. It can spread from pregnant women to foetus resulting in severe brain malformations and other birth defects.
Health ministry is conducting screening tests and awareness at the Paro International Airport.
Health Secretary, Dr. Ugen Dophu said all the flights coming in and going out of the country are sprayed with anti-mosquito insecticides.
The Secretary also said announcements in the flights also say if people have symptoms like Zika infection, they should report to the health desk at Paro airport.
“Once they report, they will be given necessary advice and health ministry will follow up with them.”
Also, the vector control programme is carrying out intensive surveillance in southern part of the country with one full dedicated entomologist looking after Zika.
“Our health workers are constantly monitoring because there is dengue outbreak in Phuentshogling,” said Dr. Ugen Dophu.
He said they are carrying out aggressive elimination of breeding ground for Aedes mosquito. They are also carrying out house-to-house spraying of anti-mosquito insecticides.
Symptoms from Zika infection include mild fever, rashes, joint pain, conjunctivitis, and headache.
The symptoms usually last for two to seven days.
Dr. Ugen Dophu added since 80 percent of the cases do not show symptoms, people travelling from infected places should refrain from sexual intercourse.
