Health Minister Irthisham Adam has said that there were no signs of Zika virus in the Maldives. However, Minister Irthisham noted that the virus posed significant threats and therefore, preventative measures were being instilled.
Speaking to press in Health Ministry, Minister Irthisham said that discussions were held with health sector professionals once the Zika virus broke out. She added that following the discussions a team from Thailand’s Armed Forces Research Institute has been brought in.
Minister said the team had conducted field visits to different atolls from the 24th to the 28th of January, conducting research. She added that as the tests cannot be carried out locally, samples had to be sent abroad and that research methodology has been identified with the assistance of the team.
Irthisham said that the Government had been carrying out awareness campaigns on Zika virus, following the outbreak. She added that awareness on dengue is currently ongoing and that a national level meeting on the disease had been held yesterday as well.
“Whether it is Zika or Dengue, participation from private parties is essential. I appeal to all citizens to do their part,” she said.
Irthisham further appealed not pass on incorrect information for any political or any other purposes. She added that there were some media reports that a Finnish tourist to the country had contracted Zika but had not been able to determine if the tourist had contracted it from the Maldives.
Minister Irthisham assured that there were no signs of Zika was detected from the country.