The Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac
Adewole, has said that the mosquitoes carrying Zika virus are in Nigeria and
urged Nigerians to protect themselves by using mosquito nets because as it is,
Zika has no cure and the best for now is prevention. He also asked Nigerians to
remain calm, be vigilant and report any suspected case of an acute febrile
illness in pregnant women, in particular, to any nearest health facility. He made
this disclosure at a press briefing, yesterday, in Abuja, where he explained
that the mosquitoes were active and flying, adding that they bite during the
day and early morning. His exact words after the cut.
Adewole, has said that the mosquitoes carrying Zika virus are in Nigeria and
urged Nigerians to protect themselves by using mosquito nets because as it is,
Zika has no cure and the best for now is prevention. He also asked Nigerians to
remain calm, be vigilant and report any suspected case of an acute febrile
illness in pregnant women, in particular, to any nearest health facility. He made
this disclosure at a press briefing, yesterday, in Abuja, where he explained
that the mosquitoes were active and flying, adding that they bite during the
day and early morning. His exact words after the cut.
“Nigerian scientists working in
Western Nigeria in 1954 discovered Zika virus in Nigeria. Further studies in
the years 1975 to 1979 showed that 40 per cent of Nigeria adults and 25 per
cent of Nigerian children have antibodies to Zika virus, meaning they are
protected against this virus.
Western Nigeria in 1954 discovered Zika virus in Nigeria. Further studies in
the years 1975 to 1979 showed that 40 per cent of Nigeria adults and 25 per
cent 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 as demonstrated by previous
studies, it is important and advisable that Nigerians should be careful and
protect themselves from mosquito bites.
Nigerians are immune to the Zika virus infection as demonstrated by previous
studies, it is important and advisable that Nigerians should be careful and
protect themselves from mosquito bites.
“There is 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 as previously
mentioned. This, therefore, means that prevention is most effective means of
preventing transmission.
virus, and no cure other than rest, plenty of fluids and perhaps
over-the-counter medication to reduce fevers, aches and pains as previously
mentioned. This, therefore, means that prevention is most effective means of
preventing transmission.
“I advise all Nigerians,
particularly pregnant women, to avoid travelling to countries infected by this
virus in these periods. If however, you are to visit any country where Zika
virus is now being actively transmitted, you are advised to protect yourselves
from mosquito bites.
particularly pregnant women, to avoid travelling to countries infected by this
virus in these periods. If however, you are to visit any country where Zika
virus is now being actively transmitted, you are advised to protect yourselves
from mosquito bites.
“Pregnant women considering travel
to affected areas may wish to consult their health-care provider prior to
travel and after return. They should also practice personal and household steps
to prevent mosquito, including putting mosquito repellant on their clothes and
skin, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep underneath mosquito nets at night,
where possible.”
to affected areas may wish to consult their health-care provider prior to
travel and after return. They should also practice personal and household steps
to prevent mosquito, including putting mosquito repellant on their clothes and
skin, wear long sleeves and pants, and sleep underneath mosquito nets at night,
where possible.”
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