Maldivians being tested for Zika virus

Health Protection Agency (HPA) has decided to take blood samples from locals to be tested for Zika virus which is spread through mosquito bites.

Head of Surveillance at HPA, Ibrahim Nishan Ahmed told Sun Media today that a guideline for the project has been established to carry out with the help Bangkok’s, Armed Forces Research Institute of Medical Sciences (AFRIMS).

Nishan said that locals showing specific symptoms across the country would soon have their blood sent to Bangkok to be tested.

“From parts of the Maldives samples would be collected. We’re collecting based on specific symptoms.” Nishan said.

Symptoms to take samples:

• Normal fever

• Frequent conjunctivitis (redness of the eyes)

• Red rash

The Head of Surveillance at HPA, Nishan said that Zika virus has not been found in the Maldives yet.

Zika virus is in the same family as Dengue. Symptoms include fever, red rash, conjunctivitis, joint pains and heachache similar to Dengue. HPA says that the fever and fatigue for admitting at the hospital is much lower compared to Dengue when dealing with Zika virus and there has been no special treatment nor a cure for the disease found thus far.

HPA advises preventive measures to be safe from mosquito bites and mosquito related diseases.