Samples being taken to test for Zika virus in Maldives

Samples are being taken from people living in Maldives to test for any signs of the virus in the country.

Deputy Director-General of Health Ministry, Thasleema Usman spoke to “Sun” on Monday and said that samples were now being taken from people, and that the samples would be sent to

Thailand for analysis once they obtain sufficient number of samples.

“Sufficient number of samples will be collected and sent in accordance with set standard. Samples themselves will be taken after checkup,” said Thasleema.

She said that Health Ministry planned to take samples from people living in areas where dengue fever was most widespread last year.

Samples will be taken from people who have fever, red eyes, and have red spots on their body.

No sign of Zika virus has been found in Maldives so far.