Vigilant Vector Control at Airports to Stop Zika Virus Spread: UN Aviation Agency

Vector control refers to the spraying of insecticides or other pest control measures. These will help reduce the mosquito population and Zika spread.

As mosquitoes are the prime transporters of Zika virus, airports are stepping up efforts to reduce its populations to control the virus spread, said the UN aviation.

"The management of the outbreak is currently focused on reducing the populations of the Aedes mosquito that transmit the virus at airports (vector control)," the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) said in a statement.

Proofs Concerning Zika Virus Link to Brain Damage
Two reports show the evidence of Zika Virus disease in the neural tissue of affected infants in Europe, which may highlight its role in brain damage.

‘UN Aviation Agency urges airlines and airport authorities to follow World Health Organization guidelines on the testing and use of insecticides for aircraft to prevent Zika spread.’

Vector control refers to the spraying of insecticides or other pest control measures.

The Montreal-based agency urged airlines and airport authorities to follow World Health Organization guidelines on the testing and use of insecticides for aircraft, including new guidance specifically related to the Zika virus.

Meanwhile, "aviation stakeholders will continue to share information and resources in order to assist with controlling the outbreak," it added, saying it was working closely with the WHO and the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Zika Virus Diagnostic Facilities Across 10 States in India
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has announced that ten new facilities will become operational by the end of February.

In most cases, Zika causes mild flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and body aches. But it has been linked to a rapid rise in the number of children born with microcephaly -- abnormally small heads and brains -- to mothers infected during pregnancy.

There is currently no cure or vaccine for Zika. Confirmed cases have been found in 26 countries, spanning 7,000 kilometers (4,400 miles) from Mexico to Paraguay, according to the Pan American Health Organization.

Exit Screening At Airports may Help Control Ebola
Exit screening is essential to prevent Ebola-infected travelers leaving on international flights.

Brazil has been most affected by the outbreak, with 1.5 million people infected since early 2015, followed by Colombia.

Travelers have also brought infections as far north as Canada, and overseas. China confirmed its first imported case of Zika this week.

South Korea Calls For More Checks At Major Airports Against MERS
South Korean Prime Minister Hwang Kyo-ahn urged for tighter scanning of passengers for fever and other MERS symptoms at major airports.

Source-AFP