Thailand confirms disease-related microcephaly
The World Health Organization (WHO) urged countries across the WHO South-East Asia Region to continue to take decisive action to prevent, detect and respond to Zika virus. Recently Thailand has confirmed two cases of Zika-related microcephaly, which, along with other neurological disorders, can occur when a neonate has been exposed to Zika virus in utero.
“Zika virus infection is a serious threat to the health and well being of a pregnant woman and her unborn child.” said, Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh, Regional Director, WHO South-East Asia.
The presence of Zika virus in the WHO South-East Asia Region has been documented in recent years, including from Thailand, Indonesia, Maldives and Bangladesh.
Since a Public Health Emergency of International Concern was declared in February, WHO has been working with countries across the region to strengthen Zika virus and birth-defect surveillance; enhance vector surveillance and control; scale-up laboratory capacity; and amplify risk communication and community engagement. All countries now have the laboratory capacity to conduct Zika virus testing, as well as to assess and identify microcephaly cases.
In addition to official efforts, WHO has been urging householders and community groups to be on the front lines of mosquito control.
“WHO also urges pregnant women as well as the rest of the general public to take precautions to limit mosquito-human contact, including wearing long-sleeved, light colored clothing; using mosquito repellant; sleeping under a bed net; and fitting windows and doors with screens wherever possible”, says Dr Singh.
Based on available evidence, WHO does not recommend trade or travel restrictions with countries, areas and/ or territories with Zika virus transmission.
EH News Bureau