Armenia strengthens border checks for timely detection of Zika carriers

Armenia strengthens border checks for timely detection of Zika carriers

PanARMENIAN.Net - Armenia will reinforce border controls for a timely identification of patients infected with Zika virus, the Ministry of Health said in a statement.

According to the statement, the Ministry has also issued manuals on epidemiology, genetics, standards of identification, treatment and prevention of Zika virus, as well as posters promoting safe travel.

As Health Minister Armen Muradyan said on February 3, the ministry does not exclude the probability of Zika virus’ arrival in the country, adding that the issue was discussed at a meeting with chief epidemiologists and virology and immunology specialists.

Experts say, however, that Aedes aegypti mosquito, which transmit the virus, are not found in Armenia.

Director General of the National Center for Disease Control and Prevention Artavazd Vanyan said they are currently preparing information leaflets on Zika virus.

Zika is a mosquito-borne virus, with mild fever, rash and red eyes being the most common symptoms - an estimated 80% show no symptoms at all though. An outbreak of Zika is now affecting at least 25 countries and territories, most of them in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Photo. AP
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