THE
Ministry of Health (MoH) yesterday advised Bruneians who are planning to travel
abroad, especially to Zika affected areas, to take personal protective measures
to prevent mosquito bites during their trip.
The MoH
issued the advice as the school holidays have just begun and families across
the country are taking the opportunity to travel with their children, families
and friends.
“However,
some people are understandably concerned about the Zika virus situation in
affected countries and may be rethinking travel plans,” MoH said in its latest
statement on the Zika situation.
“Remember,
pregnant mothers are advised to postpone any non-essential travel to Zika
affected countries.”
According
to the MoH, the personal protective measures to prevent mosquito bites during
the trips include wearing long sleeves and light coloured clothing, applying
insect-repellent regularly, and sleeping under mosquito nets or in rooms with
air conditioning or screens.
“In the
event that you or any of your family member become unwell, especially after
returning from your trip, seek medical attention. It is also very important to
note that at all times you must avoid mosquito bites before and after your trip
to avoid further spread of the Zika virus. If your partner is pregnant and you
have recently travelled to a Zika affected country, abstain from sex or adopt
safer sexual practices for the subsequent duration of the pregnancy.”
The MoH
said, “Although there are no reports of Zika virus in Brunei Darussalam, as a
country we need to work together. Every person must play their part to prevent
and control this disease, even those who are planning to travel abroad.
“Before
leaving the country, spend some time to ensure that your house is clean and
free from mosquito breeding sites especially if you and your family will be
away from home for a while. Environmental cleanliness is the key and we can
prevent mosquito breeding sites by emptying, cleaning or covering containers
that can hold even small amounts of water, such as plastic containers, buckets,
flower pots and tyres.
“A clean
home free from mosquito breeding sites is one key aspect to keep us free from
Zika.
“The Zika
virus currently has no treatment or vaccine and preventive measures are the
best course of action to be taken to protect you and your family from becoming
infected.
“Such
measures are even more important for pregnant mothers or couples planning to
have children as the virus can affect the unborn child.
“Arm
yourself with information on the Zika virus available on the Ministry of Health
Website www.moh.gov.bn or you can contact Darussalam line 123. Clean up, Cover
up and together we can prevent and control the Zika virus,” the MoH said.
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