The PPHO warning, issued this morning (Nov 22), came as a long-term expat contacted The Phuket News to raise concerns of a spike in infections in the Saiyuan area.
After learning of the concerns, Rawai Municipality responded by testing all the occupants in one house.
“They fogged the house and surrounding areas, including a nearby kindergarten,” the expat said.
The kindergarten remained a concern for transmission as the family with a child who also attended there confirmed they also had at least one case.
“This morning they came and urine and PCR’d everyone in the household. That’s eight people. Free apparently, and they brought some sprays and stuff last week, including repellant and spray to kill mosquitoes,” the expat said.
“They tried to be as helpful as possible,” he added.
The PPHO warning explained that the Zika virus is carried by Aedes mosquitoes, which are better known for carrying dengue fever and chikungunya.
“The main cause of infection is from mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus. Other routes may be possible, such as spreading through the blood transmission, such as from an infected mother to her fetus,” the warning said.
The incubation period for Zika usually takes an average of four to seven days after a mosquito bite. The shortest is three days and the longest is 12 days, the warning explained.
Common symptoms include fever, a rash and conjunctivitis, muscle pain, joint pain, fatigue and headache.
“Usually these symptoms are only mild, not severe, and last for about two to seven days, except in pregnant women, whose babies might be born with a small brain (microcephaly) or have complications during pregnancy,” the warning said.
“Currently, there is no specific vaccine to prevent Zika fever. Treatment comprises rest, drinking lots of fluids and treating symptoms, such as using paracetamol to reduce fever or relieve pain.
“Do not take aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), as some of these drugs are dangerous for this disease. It may cause internal organs to bleed more easily,” the warning continued.
The PPHO urged prevention from mosquito bites as the best defence against infection.
Use insecticide or ointment to prevent mosquito bites. Sleep under a mosquito net and close the window, close the door or use mosquito screens to prevent mosquitoes from entering the house. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover up, the PPHO advised.
Clearing any standing water from around the house also helps to deprive mosquitoes of breeding areas, the PPHO noted.
People who develop a fever, rash, red eyes, joint pain or any other symptoms related to Zika are urged to see a doctor immediately, especially pregnant women.
“Within seven days of the onset of fever there will be a large amount of virus in the bloodstream. If you are bitten by a mosquito during this time, you can greatly spread the infection to others,” the PPHO warned.
Pregnant women were urged to visit prenatal care professionals at a public health facility. “If you have any unusual symptoms, please notify your doctor immediately,” the warning said.