Bahrain is free from Zika viral infection

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has reassured the citizens and residents in the Kingdom of Bahrain there is no risk of Zika viral infections outbreak in the country in the absence of "aedes aegypti" mosquito that carries the said disease.

Bahrain is in continuous touch with the relevant international and regional organisations after the discovery of some cases of Zika viral infections in 24 countries. The ministry is constantly up to date with latest developments. The ministry has taken all the necessary precautionary actions and enforces the relevant recommendations, said the Ministry's Public Health Director, Dr. Mariam Ebrahim Al Hajeri.

Earlier, the World Health Organisation’s (WHO)'s Eastern Mediterranean Regional Director, Dr. Ala Alwan, had called on governments to work together to keep the Region protected

"Zika virus is spread by the aedes mosquito, the same type of mosquito that transmits dengue, yellow fever and chikungunya," said Dr. Ala Alwan. "No cases of the virus have been reported so far in this Region, but this type of mosquito exists in several countries here, so it is essential that government leaders take steps to prevent the virus spread by infected travelers who come with the virus from the affected countries."