| Hakim Hayat |
THE Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday assured the public that there have been no reported Zika cases in the Sultanate.
However, it agreed that there is a “small risk of importation of the Zika virus into the country” from affected countries and urged the public to collectively take precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the disease here, following the recent emergence of the mosquito-borne disease in Singapore that affected some 41 individuals.
Singapore’s Health Ministry said the locally transmitted cases were reported in a neighbourhood in the city state, the largest local cluster to be identified so far as the mosquito-borne disease spreads in Asia.
More cases of Zika are likely to be diagnosed, the Singapore Health Ministry said on Sunday. Most of those affected so far were foreign building workers. Seven are in hospital and the remaining 34 have recovered.
Zika has affected 67 countries since last year, according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest count issued on Friday. They include every country in the tropical America.
MoH on high alert
“The MoH will continue to implement measures for monitoring, prevention and control, including conducting entomological surveillance and vector control,” senior health officials said in a press conference chaired by Permanent Secretary Haji Zakaria bin Haji Serudin at the MoH Building in Commonwealth Drive yesterday.
Given the ongoing situation in Singapore and the extensive travel by people between Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, Medical Superintendent of Public Health Dr Justin Wong said that there is a small risk of importation of the virus through an infected individual into the country.
“Brunei Darussalam’s preparedness to manage imported cases of Zika virus is based on strengthening our capacity to prevent cases, detect cases early and control transmission to prevent an outbreak. This is aligned with the core principles of the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). Ongoing risk assessment of the emerging situation continues and clear guidelines are in place to ensure that we are prepared to handle introduction of the virus,” he said while calling for cooperation from people of all levels in the country to help prevent the virus.
Dr Justin stressed that the support and cooperation of all stakeholders is vital. “Members of the public must engage fully and share responsibility in preventing outbreaks of Zika virus in Brunei Darussalam by taking preventive measures against mosquito breeding.”
The MoH urged the public to collectively take steps such as to destroy places where mosquitoes breed and to spend about 10-30 minutes, at least once a week; check residences or buildings to ensure that the surroundings are free from places where mosquitoes can breed; ensure that all drains are clean, functioning properly and not blocked; ensure that all rubbish are disposed of properly and there are none left over that can collect and hold water; wear long-sleeved clothing and long trousers and avoid wearing dark coloured clothing as dark colours will attract mosquitoes; use insecticide sprays, mosquito coils or electronic mosquito repellents, and use insect repellent especially for outdoor activities as needed.
In addition, travellers to affected countries, especially pregnant women, are advised to take all precautionary measures such as described above.
Dr Justin said the MoH will also continue to conduct monitoring at high-risk zones identified with mosquito breeding in the country and take appropriate measures such as fogging and spraying insecticides to prevent the virus’ spread.
MoH said entomological (insect) surveillance has indicated the presence of a native population of Aedes mosquito in Brunei Darussalam. This species of mosquito often breed in containers that can hold water such as empty tins, drip-trays for flower pots, old tyres and rubbish left strewn about.
It has been found that the breeding of these mosquitoes will increase many-fold after a rainy season. Typically, they are most active in the early morning and late afternoon.
There are currently no travel restrictions being imposed to Singapore and other countries affected.
The WHO has not advised any travel or trade restrictions for the affected countries, or any screening or isolation of travellers at points of entry.
However, it is important that individuals who have visited affected countries or are travelling from affected countries and subsequently develop symptoms, to get assessed at the nearest health facility, Dr Justin said.
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus carried by the mosquito ‘Aedes Aegypti’, similar to dengue fever and chikungunya. Aedes mosquitos are routinely identified in tropical countries including Brunei Darussalam.
Deadly virus
Zika virus belongs to the Flavivirus genus in the Flaviviridae family. It is transmitted from infected to healthy individuals through the bite of the Aedes mosquito. Additionally, there is a small risk of transmission through sexual contact.
Most cases of Zika infections do not show any signs or symptoms. However, a small percentage of patients may experience symptoms such as fever, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, conjunctivitis (red eye) and rash. The infection may also be associated with neurological symptoms and microcephaly in newborns.
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus infection. Treatment is focused on supportive care for the alleviation of symptoms when deemed necessary.
Responding to a query on the risk impact on the recently introduced Self-Certified Medical Leave (CSDS) for public servants that will take into effect September 1, Dr Hajah Roslin binti Haji Sharbawi, Head of Maternal Health and representative for the Medical Superintendant of Community Health, recommended those who experience the above said symptoms should see their doctor immediately and not rely on over-the-counter medicines.
The MoH said it will continue to monitor evolving events in collaboration with the WHO and will implement any necessary measures, including informing the public of any further developments.
Risk high in Singapore
Singapore’s Ministry of Health said it could not rule out further transmission of the virus beyond the 41 cases confirmed on Sunday.
Of the 41 Zika cases confirmed on Sunday, 12 have been taken to hospital. The Ministry of Health said 36 were foreign workers, out of 118 workers who were tested at a construction site. The first case in the city state was that of a 47-year-old Malaysian woman.
The outbreak in Singapore highlights the risk of wider transmission of Zika across Asia. Authorities in the city-state said sporadic cases of Zika have been reported across Southeast Asia including Cambodia, Indonesia and the Philippines. About 100 cases of Zika have been reported in Thailand this year.
Hilmi Yahaya, Malaysia’s Health Minister, said at the weekend that health screenings at land and air borders with Singapore would be stepped up.
According to an AFP report, Singapore on Monday confirmed new Zika infections, bringing the total number of cases to more than 50.
For further information on the Zika virus and mosquito-borne diseases, the public can visit MoH’s website at www.moh.gov.bn or call Darussalam line 123.
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