Illustrative image (Source: VNA)Jakarta (VNA) – The Indonesian Health Ministry issued a travel advisory for citizens wishing to travel to nations affected by Zika virus.
The action was taken after the World Health Organization (WHO) warned all countries of the danger of the disease and urged them to boost preventive measures, according to Indonesian Health Minister Nila Moeloek.
The ministry advised pregnant women to avoid visiting Zika-affected countries or take strong precautions during their journey to the countries.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo called for early detection and a quick emergency response to the possible spread of the virus, after an Indonesian man was confirmed to be infected.
The 27-year-old man tested positive for Zika in Jambi province, but he was cured, Nila said.
Zika virus, first detected in Uganda’s Zika forest in 1947, causes a mild fever, rash, muscle pain, joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes and conjunctivitis. There is currently no cure for Zika virus and no vaccine for it.
According to the WHO, the virus can be transmitted through blood, but this is an infrequent mechanism. Standard precautions that are already in place for ensuring safe blood donations and transfusions should be followed.
Vietnam has no cases of Zika infection so far.VNA
