Following the warning launched by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) of the circulation of Zika virus in the Americas region, the Ministry of Public Health has set up an early warning system for detection in time of potential suspected cases of Zika fever in Haiti.

The specimens of mosquitoes, vectors of the virus, including the Aedes collected in Haiti by the Epidemiology Department, Laboratory and Research on suspected cases of Zika that have been tested at Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA) to Trinidad and Tobago, were negative.

So far, the Ministry of Health has not detected the presence of Zika on national territory. However, it continues to strengthen its disease surveillance system for the timely detection of cases in Haiti.

Guidelines of the Ministry of Health :

"Anyone who has symptoms such as: a moderate fever (slightly elevated body temperature), headache, non purulent conjunctivitis (red eyes), rash with itching, pain in joints and muscles, swelling of the feet and hands , must go to the nearest health center for possible support.

Any health care provider who saw in consultation of patients with similar symptoms should alert the Departmental Directorate health corresponding or the Directorate of Epidemiology of Research and Laboratory at these numbers : 730-6339 or 3730-6407 for case reporting.

NB: Preventive measures are the same as those of chikungunya because the disease is transmitted by the same vector (Aedes). Meanwhile, it is advisable at all to adopt the following measures: sleeping under bed nets; wear long clothing that covers extremities (arms and legs, apply to skin mosquito creams (containing DEET, IR3535) or clothing impregnated.

Dr. Georges Dubuche, Director General"

Learn more about Zika virus :

Zika virus is transmitted to humans by the bite of an infected mosquito. The clinical syndrome is known as Zika fever. The infection is symptomatic only in 18% of cases, and when it is, the diagnosis can be difficult to makes, the symptoms can be confused with those of, among other dengue or chikungunya. After incubation for 3 to 12 days, the presence of virus in blood is generally observed for 2 to 5 days. The Zika fever is self-limiting, the symptoms during 4 to 7 days. There are no antiviral against the Zika and treatment based solely on managing symptoms.

HL/ HaitiLibre