Expert rings warning bell over Zika

An infectious disease consultant has rung the warning bell to highlight the danger posed by Zika virus, which has hit at least 25 countries in the Americas.

“It’s only a matter of time the virus could reach the Kingdom and we have to be well-prepared to confront the mosquito-borne disease,” said Dr. Mohammed Abdurahman Halawani of Al-Baha University.

Speaking to Okaz/Saudi Gazette, Halawani said nobody should underestimate the dangerous effect of the virus as it has already resulted in the birth of thousands of babies with various disorders in Brazil and other affected countries.

The Zika virus was first detected in Brazil last April. It’s transmitted by the aedes aegypti mosquito, which also carries dengue, chikungunya and the West Nile virus. While its symptoms — fever, rash and joint pain — are relatively mild, health officials believe the virus is associated with a surge in microcephaly cases, a birth defect that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads.

More than 4,000 microcephaly cases that have been reported in Brazil in the past few months — a significant increase compared to the 147 cases reported nationally in 2014. No vaccine has been invented for the disease.

Halawani was unhappy with the lukewarm response of local health authorities to deal with the virus, which can spread quickly because of the presence of aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which have become endemic in Jeddah. Frequent travel of people to affected countries is another reason, he said.

“Any negligence in confronting the virus would result in the appearance of a new generation of babies with small brains and chronic problems associated with it,” Halawani warned.

He called upon all relevant departments including health, agriculture and municipalities to set out a comprehensive plan to contain the virus soon after its arrival in the Kingdom.

“The World Health Organization has already issued a warning while a number of US states have declared an emergency,” Halawani said.

The disease-carrying mosquitoes can travel to the Kingdom on planes and ships while Zika can spread through affected individuals, he added.

Halawani noted the presence of several swamps and ponds created by rain waters in the northern parts of Jeddah. People living in the surrounding areas are attacked by mosquitoes in the morning and evening hours.

Halawani urged the Health Ministry to hold public awareness campaigns and workshops for medical staff to deal with Zika, as they should be aware of its symptoms. The correct blood analysis for Zika is available only in the Centers for Disease Control in the US and the British laboratories.

The results of lab tests will take 14 days, the consultant said, adding that experts can also identify the virus by testing a patient’s urine.

He said the mutation of Zika with other viruses could bring wrong positive results, especially for patients previously hit by dengue.

He urged the Agriculture Ministry and municipalities to make joint efforts to destroy mosquito breeding grounds all over the country using modern systems. “The campaign to fight Zika should start immediately instead of waiting for the virus to come and spread all over the country.”