Myawady authorities try to stop Zika at the border
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The Myawady Friendship Bridge, which is used by hundreds of tourists, Thai visitors and Myanmar migrant workers each day, is being fumigated daily in an effort to curb the spread of the Zika virus.
Preventive efforts against the Zika virus are being carried out by the local department of public health and the municipality.
“The main target is mosquitoes. Attempts to shrink their numbers have been regularly carried out in Myawady before, especially amid dengue outbreaks. It’s important that people don’t get bitten by mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus. If pregnant woman are bitten, the child will contract the disease. Tthe disease may make men infertile,” said Dr Thandar Soe from Myawady’s public health department.
Regular check-ups are also carried out for patients that visit the Myawady Hospital. Talks and events aimed at educating the public on the importance of eliminating mosquitoes are also held regularly.
As per the directive from the World Health Organisation and Myanmar’s Ministry of Health and Sports, all signs and symptoms of the Zika virus are being monitored at various borders and ports, such as the Yangon International Airport.
The Aedes agypti mosquito thrives in tropical and sub-tropical environments around the world. In Myanmar, the Aedes genus is famous for being the main cause of dengue and yellow fevers.
