Why it’s risky to travel to S’America for now

The Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Health has raised an alarm over the outbreak of Zika virus infection, and warned Nigerians especially pregnant women against travelling to South America where the infection is most rampant.

It said Nigerians should avoid travelling to South America at least for now until the situation improves as it also directed the Nigeria Center for Disease Control to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing efforts to manage the Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

The Nigerian Immigration officials have also been put on guard to ensure that anyone coming from any of the Latin American countries be interviewed and screened at the various point of entry to ascertain evidence of Zika virus symptoms.

Though, the statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Ministry of Health, Mrs. Boade Akinola who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole says that; “There is no single case of Zika virus infection in the country and there is no need to panic.”

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“The World Health Organisation has raised a global alert because the disease has affected about 23 countries in Americas especially in Latin America. At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection.

“The Federal Ministry of Health hereby advises a travel restriction especially by pregnant women to Latin America for now until situation improves. In addition, we have directed the NCDC to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing effort to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

“Nigerians should be vigilant and report promptly any case of unexplained fever that lasts more than 48 hours, especially in those that travelled to Latin America recently, to health care professionals. Nigerians working at various ports of entry into the country should interview anyone coming from any of the Latin American countries for evidence Zika virus symptoms.” Adewole said.