THE
Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday issued a clarification on the Zika virus
travel advisory issued by the United States of America regarding travel to
Southeast Asia, including Brunei Darussalam.
The Zika
virus surveillance programme covering both government and private healthcare
facilities routinely screens all suspected cases based on current World Health
Organization (WHO) definitions and guidelines. Laboratory samples are also
collected for confirmatory testing.
No cases
of Zika virus disease have been detected in Brunei Darussalam, the MoH said in
a statement.
Despite
this, the MoH continues to remain vigilant and has developed the ‘Ministry of
Health Preparedness Plan for the Prevention and Control of Zika Virus Disease’
to prepare for eventualities. In addition, all national preventive activities
and capacity building to prevent, detect and control disease are overseen by the
Multisectoral Task Force for the Prevention and Control of Zika Virus Disease
comprising relevant government agencies including the Prime Minister’s Office,
Ministry of Development, Ministry of Communications, Ministry of Home Affairs
and the National Disaster Management Centre, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and
Trade, and the Ministry of Health.
Members
of the public are advised not to panic in response to the travel advisory from
the US.
“Although
Brunei is currently Zika-free, as a country, we need to maintain a heightened
state of preparedness,” the MoH stated, adding that the most effective
preventive measure is by eradication of mosquito breeding sites.
“Environmental
sanitation is important and we must make sure that we empty, clean and cover
containers that can hold even small amounts of water, such as plastic
containers, buckets, flower pots and tyres. Ensure also that all drains are
clean, functioning properly and not blocked. All rubbish must be disposed of
properly,” it added.
In
addition to eradication of breeding sites through environmental sanitation, the
people can also take measures to prevent ourselves being bitten by mosquitoes.
These include wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing that covers the skin,
using mosquito repellents, and avoiding being outside from in the early morning
and late evening (unless necessary).
In line
with WHO guidance, the MoH does not advise on any travel or trade restrictions
with the affected countries, or any screening or isolation of travelers at
points of entry.
Pregnant
women are advised to avoid non-essential travel to Zika-affected areas.
Also, if
a pregnant woman or her spouse has recently travelled to a Zika-affected
country, both partners should adopt safer sexual practices or abstinence for
the entire pregnancy.
Individuals
who have visited affected countries or are travelling from the affected
countries, who subsequently develop symptoms such as fever, rash,
conjunctivitis, headaches and muscle aches within two weeks of entry into
Brunei Darussalam should be assessed at the nearest health facility.
The MoH
and its relevant partner agencies will continue to monitor evolving events in
collaboration with the WHO, and its counterparts within Asean.
“We
continue to remain vigilant and prepared and call upon all stakeholders
including members of the public to participate fully in the national effort to
prevent and control Zika virus infection through ensuring environmental
sanitation,” the MoH said.
For
further information on the Zika virus and mosquito-borne diseases, the public
can visit the Ministry of Health website at www.moh.gov.bn or call Darussalam
line 123.
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