T&T’s only way to guard against the Zika virus is reduction of the host mosquito since stopping the virus’ entry into T&T is virtually impossible, says Health Minister Terrence Deyalsingh.
He gave the information in the Senate, replying to opposition queries on how the Government would curtail the spread of the mosquito-borne virus, especially at carnival time. The virus is carried by the Aedes aegypti mosquito and its main symptoms include fever, rash, muscle, head and joint pain and red eyes.
Deyalsingh said most of the states in the Americas where the virus has been found haven’t been able to halt entry of it and it was similar to the chikungunya virus which hit T&T in 2014.
“It’s (Zika) virtually impossible, it can only be stopped if you build a wall, halt international trade and containerised trade and movement of people. The vector transmitting chikungunya is also transmitting Zika, so it’s impossible to stop it, regardless of Carnival.”
He said the ministry began management approaches last month with Local Government bodies. “The attack is source reduction, alerting agencies, Insect Vector Division, Local Government, etc, and the public which has a big role to play in this to get rid of potential breeding sites in and around their homes.”