Chennai Airport to screen for Zika virus
Posted on: 02/Sep/2016 10:11:54 AM
The Chennai Airport has upped the screening procedures to check the Zika virus from entering the city. Indian nationals have been diagnosed with the virus in Singapore.
Officials of the health department and the airport recently held a meet to co-ordinate the screening and other preventive measures. Speaking about this, the officials said, Fever screening that is already in place at the airport will continue, and pamphlets informing passengers on basic facts about Zika are being distributed. Meanwhile, the health staff is being trained at the National Institute of Virology and the lab at King Institute, Guindy that has been equipped to test for the virus.
The infection caused by the Aedes Aegypti mosquito was usually self-limiting and short-lived. However, anyone travelling from affected nations should watch out for signs and symptoms including fever, headache, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, joint and muscle pain and consult a doctor in case of symptoms. Pregnant women, who have travelled to the affected countries, are advised to have regular antenatal check-ups.
