ZIKA VIRUS (ZIKV) What you need to know

What is Zika Virus Infection?  Virus belonging to the same family of viruses with Dengue and Chikungunya but with mild signs and symptoms.  It has been linked to unusual increase cases of:  Microcephaly or small head circumference in infants born to infected mothers; and  Guillain-Barré syndrome or muscle weakness due to nerve damage.

TRANSMISSION Transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes) which also carries Dengue and Chikungunya virus. Sexual transmission of the disease has been reported.

SIGNS & SYMPTOMS  Nonspecific flu-like symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain and sore eyes lasting for 2 -7 days.  75% of people infected with the virus are SYMPTOM-FREE!  Detection of the virus is through a sophisticated laboratory.

 Outbreak occurred in Brazil in 2015 and other countries in South America.  It now affects vast areas and other regions as well.  World Health Organization has declared the outbreak as an international public health emergency. THE OUTBREAK

TREATMENT  There is no specific treatment.  Prevention is to avoid being bitten by the day-biting mosquito.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES  Read about the disease in order to understand it and be alert for updates and developments.  Avoid getting pregnant while there is an ongoing outbreak in your area.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES  Mosquito preventive measures:  Use of mosquito repellants, mosquito net is helpful.  Wear light colored clothing covering the exposed areas of the body.  Removing or clearing potential mosquito breeding grounds in your surroundings.

HEALTH DECLARATION CHECKLIST  The medical declaration checklist issued aboard the aircraft is the single most important document that provides vital information for the health personnel at the airport.

HEALTH DECLARATION CHECKLIST  Your cooperation by accurately providing information in the checklist will help you and prevent the spread of the disease to your family and friends.