Expert says zika virus vector control should be the priority

Santo Domingo.- Withthe zika virus´ imminent entry into the country, garbage collection and vectorcontrol should be the priority to keep the disease from affecting thepopulation.

Communicable Diseases Dept.and Health Analysis Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) director Dr. MarcosEspinal said if the trash isn’t collected the threat is not just zika, but alsomicrocephaly, dengue and chikungunya.

He said vector controlis a multisector problem and the responsibility not only of the Health Ministry,but shared with other agencies such as Environment, municipalities, water utilitiesand education of the population.

The physician said hehas no doubt that the virus will enter the entry of the country.

As to the disease´s linkwith microcephaly, Espinal said there are no confirmed cases, although studiesconducted thus far indicate that only 1 out of every 1,000 cases can becomecomplicated.

He said prenatal care shouldbe kept medical surveillance and any symptoms related to the disease must be reported.

“The most importantthing is not microcephaly, what´s most important is not too contract zika."

Espinal, speaking in theconference on zika management said prevention, not pregnancy should be the priority.