| Azlan Othman |
FAMILIES have started crossing the borders for a short getaway as they take advantage of the second school term holiday from September 9-18.
To keep Bruneians in the loop about the health situation outside the country, the Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday informed vacationers via mobile phone services to take preventive measures against the Zika virus.
Holiday goers were advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, and to apply insect repellent as prevention against the mosquito-borne disease, while pregnant mothers were advised to avoid unnecessary travel to Zika affected countries. The ministry also advised individuals who fall ill to immediately see a doctor.
The ministry said the World Health Organization (WHO) has not implemented any travel or trade restrictions to countries affected by the virus, nor has it set up any screening or isolation of travellers at points of entry.
It is however, crucial that individuals who have visited countries affected by Zika or are travelling from the affected countries, to get checked at the nearest health facility – especially if they have developed any symptom of the disease.
Zika is caused by a virus carried by the Aedes mosquito, which is routinely identified in tropical countries.
This species of mosquito often breeds in containers that hold stagnant water such as empty tins, drip-trays for flower pots, old tyres and on uncollected rubbish. Breeding increases after a rainy period and these critters are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
The Ministry of Health and Ministry of Development continue to cooperate in implementing preventive and control measures against the Aedes mosquito. These measures include ensuring environmental sanitation, waste management and use of insecticides (where appropriate) to control the adult mosquito population.
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