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Sensation Pest Control Services

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Zika Virus Treatment

Zika Virus

The Zika Virus is caused by “Aedes Aegypti” species of Mosquitoes. Populations living in areas where day-biting by Aedes mosquitoes exist are at risk of Zika virus transmission. The Aedes mosquito also spread dengue, chikungunya and Yellow fever.

Pregnant women with Zika virus infection are at risk of developing fetal malformations (such as microcephaly).

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) is an acute, life-threatening medical condition, typically triggered by an infection in which the body’s immune system attacks the nerves. Like Dengue and Chikungunya viruses, Zika virus infection can trigger GBS.

GBS may be debilitating and seem like a frightening disease, but it is temporary; 80% of people diagnosed with GBS recover completely. GBS patients may require intensive care.

Zika can be transmitted through mosquito bites. Getting rid of mosquitoes is difficult but can be done at the household and community levels & Sea going equipments.
Common mosquito breeding sites include homes and their surroundings, particularly around water storage areas, garbage areas Sea going equipments, and public spaces like parks, playgrounds, markets, shops, schools, etc.

Individuals can protect themselves by using mosquito repellents and/or wearing light coloured clothes that cover their hands and legs.

Preventive Measure:

Application of water based emulsion of suitable synthetic pyrethroid based insecticides approved by WHO on all the inside walls, windows, curtains, furnitures, fixture etc. will be very effective atleast for Three months. Its mode of action is through contact. Once a mosquito enters the treated premise and rest on the treated surfaces, it will immediately fall dead.

Also, we suggest to install mosquito catchers in accommodation areas which uses Glue boards and UV lights; which will provide additional protection for people on board.

A valid Zika Virus preventive treatment certificate issued by us, shall be handed over on-board at completion of our operations.

 

Following is the notification issued by European Unions. Go through that and suggest whether we should circulate to all vessel agents with our recommendation of treatments and fly catchers?

The role of maritime transport in Zika virus disease spread

The introduction of human cases of Zika virus disease (crew or passengers, symptomatic or asymptomatic) through ship travel is considered very low since most travelers in the affected countries return to European Union Member States (EUMS) through air travel.

Moreover, it is unlikely that ships can introduce Zika virus disease to the population in the EU through Zika virus infected mosquitoes from affected areas. However, it is certainly known that specific types of imported goods including used tyres and ornamental plants (e.g. Dracaena sanderiana – lucky bamboo) introduce invasive mosquito species (IMS) to EU, usually at the egg life stage that is able to survive transportation.

These two categories of imported goods can be infested with mosquitoes including Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. Since imported symptomatic and asymptomatic human cases are continually arriving in EUMS through air transport, and Aedes albopictus mosquito, which is competent to transmit Zika virus has been established in a number of areas in EUMS, the possibility for local transmission of the disease in the future, especially in the summer months cannot be excluded.

Further information for risk assessment can be found in the updated risk assessment published by ECDC. Imported used tyres, and ornamental plants (mainly plant cuttings requiring water during transportation) can: a) re-introduce Aedes aegypti in Europe, which is the main vector of Zika virus disease and other diseases such as yellow fever and dengue fever; b) introduce Aedes albopictus and other IMS in areas not currently present or established; c) import additional Aedes albopictus mosquito populations and other mosquito species in areas where are currently established and influence the mosquito population dynamics and density.

Recommendations for health measures

Integrated Pest Management Plans should be implemented at ports by the competent authorities and on board ships by ship operators routinely and efforts should focus in this direction. Special treatment and rules for transporting and handling specific imported goods including used tyres and ornamental plants requiring water during transportation is recommended.