Zika is now on the rise in Asia. In Singapore and Malaysia, the risk of getting infected with Zika is increasing because of the presence of the virus' transmitter, the Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Latest reports also confirmed that the danger for Zika was actually more than what was expected since around 80 percent of people with the virus are asymptomatic. It has now become more difficult to check people coming in and out ports and airports because infected people may show no symptoms. Epidemiologists confirmed that Zika is known to be transmitted via sexual intercourse.
Cases in Singapore and Malaysia
According to the latest tally, there are now 369 cases of Zika in Singapore, 19 of these are Bangladeshi nationals. There are six cases in Malaysia. Asian countries with a large number of Bangladeshi migrants usually develop Zika outbreaks. The virus is spread by the Aedes mosquitoes as they bite anyone carrying the virus from abroad or anyone from the vicinity.
Professor Saif Ullah Munshi from the Bangabandhu Sheik Mujib Medical University virology department said that they are still unable to check if Zika is in Bangladesh but he said that it was found in India. And even if the virus is not found in Bangladesh, the risk of importing the virus has increased because of the outbreaks of Zika in Malaysia and Singapore.
ASEAN leaders boosting efforts against Zika
A meeting via teleconference was held by ASEAN ministers in order to boost their efforts against Zika. The special video conference of ASEAN Health Ministers was held Monday and featured health ministers from Southeast Asian health leaders. The conference was also joined by World Health Organization representatives.
The meeting highlighted the current situation of Asian countries when it comes to Zika infection. Leaders reported that there are now five Southeast Asian countries infected with Zika virus. Singapore's city-state premier Lee Hsien Loong warns ASEAN representatives in the recent 28th ASEAN Summit that the region should prepare itself for an extended campaign against the virus.
Five point plan to combat Zika
After the teleconference a five point action plan was developed to fight Zika. This plan included improving surveillance for the virus to meet standards of WHO, sharing of vital information on how the virus is fought in every country, enhancing surveillance efficiency, improving the screening process for the detection of the disease and the start of joint research.
Other countries doing their part
Thailand Public Health Minister Piyasakol Sakolsatayadorn of Thailand mentioned in an interview that the country is already spending more than 20 million baht or $575,000 in just detecting the Zika virus.
WHO director of program management Takeshi Kasei was interviewed by the Post and he mentioned that he was worried that the public has very little knowledge about Zika. This could signal a more intensified plan for public outreach programs against the virus.
