IMPORTANT News! Thanks for the information Dr. Olga of Vanuatu Medical Laboratory. (Though there are no reported cases in Vanuatu, it is great to stay alert, be warned and informed). 27 January 2014 Zika virus outbreak: New Caledonia, Oceania Please be advised of another mosquito- transmitted virus disease that causes Zika Fever (ZIKV). There are no vaccines to protect against ZIKV, which is transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes. Aedes mosquitoes bite in the day, particularly around dawn and dusk. M&S: This rainy season, Lets keep our surrounding area clean and dry - making sure there are no room for any kind of disease (dengue fever, malaria or Zika fever) carrier-mosquitoes to breed. Lets keep our Immune System High and Health at Optimum Condition. What is Zika fever? Zika fever is an illness caused by a virus that spread through mosquito bites. It is closely related to dengue virus and causes a similar illness. Symptoms of Zika fever may include fever, headache, red eyes, rash, muscle aches, and joint pains. The illness is usually mild and lasts 4-7 days. On 21 January 2014, health authorities in New Caledonia confirmed the first autochthonous (locally acquired) case of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in a resident of Dumbea, New Caledonia. Two other cases, thought to be imported from French Polynesia, were also confirmed. Cases of dengue, which is endemic to the region [2] and transmitted by the same mosquito vector, have also been reported. Public health responses, including increased surveillance and the promotion of mosquito bite avoidance measures, are underway. The current outbreak in the islands of French Polynesia is continuing. It is expected that further cases will occur in the region. ZIKV is a flavivirus transmitted by Aedes spp. mosquitoes. ZIKV is an emerging disease in regions outside Africa and Asia. The first outbreak occurred on the island of Yap, Micronesia in 2007. Symptoms of ZIKV infection include fever, headache, a maculo-papular rash, conjunctivitis and pain in the smaller joints of the hands and feet. The illness is usually mild and short lasting. Updated: January 22, 2014 What is the current situation? The French Polynesia Department of Health has confirmed an outbreak of Zika fever in the islands of Tahiti, Moorea, Raiatea, Tahaa, Bora Bora, Huahine, Nuku Hiva, Hiva Oa, Ua Pou, Hao, Rangiroa, Fakarava, Tikehau, Takaroa Ahe and Arutua. As of January 13, 2014, 361 laboratory confirmed cases and 7,156 suspected cases have been reported. No deaths have been reported. The Department of Health is working to improve surveillance. Lets take care everyone and stay healthy. Prevention is Better than Cure. M&S
Posted on: Tue, 28 Jan 2014 19:24:49 +0000
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