All states should embark on Health education-Health Minister

     The minister of health Prof Isaac Ajewole announced today that every state should embark on Health education campaign on the Zika virus

"Further studies in the years 1975 to 1979 showed that 40% of Nigeria adults and 25% of Nigerian children have antibodies to Zika virus. There is as of now no known specific Zika treatment, Treatment is generally supportive - Rest, Fluids, Pain killers & antipyretics.

 In a Pregnant woman with laboratory evidence of Zika virus in serum or amniotic fluid, serial ultrasounds should be considered to monitor fetal anatomy and growth every 3–4 weeks. Referral to a maternal-fetal medicine or infectious disease specialist is recommended", he explained. 

"Despite Nigerians immunity to the Zika virus by previous studies, Nigerians should be careful and protect themselves from mosquito bites. All States are hereby advised to immediately embark on health education campaigns to empower communities to protect themselves from Zika" he advised.

"FMOH shall collaborate with @FMEnvng to embark immediately on mosquito population reducing campaigns that will include use of larvicide. NCDC has been directed to enhance Zika virus surveillance activities and work with the Arbovirus Research Centre, Enugu.

The NCDC has activated EOC on Zika to specifically focus on transmission to track Zika Virus in communities and in mosquitoes. 

All laboratories currently testing for other haemorrhagic fever viruses should include testing for Zika virus also." he affirmed 

"I wish to call on all our partners to support our efforts at preventing this new scourge

from entering our country" Prof Adewole said.