Latest update February 16th, 2025 4:46 PM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Take precautionary measures to prevent Zika virus – says Health Ministry

Dec 24, 2015 News

The Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) is reminding Guyanese to adopt all of the necessary precautionary measures to avoid the contraction of the Zika virus, which is transmitted by the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Polynesiensis mosquitoes.
Zika disease is a member of the Flaviviridae virus family and the flavivirus genus. In humans, it causes a disease known as “zika” (pronounced zee-kuh), “Zika disease” or Zika fever.   Zika is related to dengue yellow fever, west nile and Japanese encephalitis.
Symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, rash and sometimes swelling of the limbs. Some persons may also experience vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pain.
According to information released from the Health Ministry, in order to control the spread of the Aedes Aegypti and Aedes Polynesiensis mosquitoes, persons should conduct systematic searches in and around their environment for any stored, exposed body of water and remove these sources of mosquito breeding.
Natural substances, household insecticidal sprays, coils, candles, among other things, can assist in reducing the presence of mosquitoes around the home.
Screening of windows, doors and other openings along with closing-up in the evening can also aid in reduction of mosquitoes in the home.
Additionally, persons should rid their environs of tyres, punch holes in discarded containers, properly cover containers with stored and drinking water, pour a little oil in contained water for domestic use, and change water regularly in vases, pet containers and plant saucers.
The MoPH continues to take all precautionary measures to ensure that the Zika Virus does not enter Guyana and health officers are on guard to identify any cases.
The Health Ministry outlined that in order to prevent the entry of the Zika Virus into Guyana; persons should avoid unnecessary travel to places where the virus is known to be present. If they must travel to these areas, then all precaution must be taken against being bitten by mosquitoes.
Persons, who travel to Guyana should inform the Port Health Authority at the airport, seaport or land crossing or contact the nearest health facility, if they had symptoms of fever within the last week. The necessary advice and follow up care would be provided.
Some mosquitoes bite during the day also, so using repellants and wearing protective clothing can help prevent bites.
Particularly, the MoPH is advising that all pregnant women and children must sleep under a mosquito net. The Zika virus causes some abnormalities in developing fetuses so it is now strongly recommended that all pregnant women avoid being bitten.
Persons who experience any of the symptoms, including fever are advised to seek medical advice at the nearest health facility or call the Ministry of Public Health on 226 5124 or 226 1224 or e-mail [email protected].

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show|| February, 14th, 2025

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Junior Jaguars hold Costa Rica to 2-2 draw, extend unbeaten streak in U17 World Cup Qualifiers

Junior Jaguars hold Costa Rica to 2-2 draw, extend unbeaten streak in...

Feb 16, 2025

Kaieteur Sports-Guyana’s Junior Golden Jaguars delivered a remarkable performance Friday evening, securing a 2-2 draw against Costa Rica at the Costa Rica National Stadium. The result is a...
Read More
Harpy Eagles, WIA tussle end in draw

Harpy Eagles, WIA tussle end in draw

Feb 16, 2025

Rosignol Secondary dominates Region 5 edition of National Schools Table Tennis Championships

Rosignol Secondary dominates Region 5 edition of...

Feb 16, 2025

One Guyana Racing Rides with Pegasus Cup Champion trainer Saffie Joseph Jr. in Barbados Gold Cup

One Guyana Racing Rides with Pegasus Cup Champion...

Feb 16, 2025

Kennard Memorial Turf Club to stage traditional Phagwah race meet

Kennard Memorial Turf Club to stage traditional...

Feb 16, 2025

GBA assembles elite squad for 2025 Caribbean Boxing Championship in St. Lucia

GBA assembles elite squad for 2025 Caribbean...

Feb 15, 2025

Features/Columnists

  • I don’t remember!

    Peeping Tom… Kaieteur News- I have an uncle, Morty Finkelstein, who has the peculiar habit of remembering things with... more

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]