Kampala- Uganda has tightened its disease surveillance systems at border points after the World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed that the Zika virus strain responsible for the outbreaks in Brazil, has been detected in Africa for the first time. The virus is currently circulating in Cape Verde, an archipelago off the North West coast of Africa and WHO is concerned that the latest strain is spreading and was “on the doorstep of Africa”. In an interview with the Daily Monitor at the weekend, Dr Jane Aceng, the director general of health services, said ever since the outbreak in Brazil, surveillance has been intensified in the country through screening facilities installed at Entebbe International Airport. “All mothers who deliver abnormal babies (microcephaly), their blood is taken for screening,” said Dr Aceng. She added that entomologists (scientists who study insects) have been trapping mosquitoes for analysis on a daily basis. Zika has been linked to neurological disorders, including babies being born with small brains. Dr Matshidiso Moeti, the WHO regional director for Africa, said: “This information will help African countries to re-evaluate their level of risk and adapt and increase their levels of preparedness.” She said African countries should raise awareness among pregnant women of the complications with the Zika virus and encourage people to protect themselves against mosquito bites and sexual transmission. But Dr Matshidiso Moeti said she would not recommend strict travel restrictions to try to stop the spread of the disease. So far more than 7,000 suspected cases of Zika have been reported in Cape Verde, with 180 pregnant women thought to have been infected. The WHO says three babies have been born with their brain damaged with microcephaly. eainebyoona@ug.nationmedia.com
The Zika virus has been detected in Africa for the first time in Uganda , despite increased surveillance and having not reached continental Africa itself. Cape Verde has become the latest country to increase screening of people arriving at Entebbe International Airport . All infected mothers are immediately given blood tests and entomologist are trapping mosquitos to prevent further spreading of the virus. The WHO in Africa has warned African nations to be more prepared for any outbreak, but did not go as far as recommending travel restrictions.