Venezuela announces at least 4,500 suspected cases of Zika

Venezuela has reported of at least 4,500 suspected cases of Zika virus, which is thought to cause microcephaly in babies, and 90 cases of Guillain-Barre, a disorder affecting the neurological system in association with the Zika virus, the health ministry said on Thursday in El Valle, west of Caracas.

The announcement came amid fears that thousands of suspected cases were found in 24 American and Caribbean countries.

The World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday convened an emergency committee for solutions to the mosquito-born virus.

Health Minister Luisana Melo said that these “suspected” cases involve at least 4,500 people who have sought for medical treatment, and yet there are still around three-fourths patients who have chosen to avoid treatment.

“As of yesterday, we had 90 cases of Guillain-Barre syndrome. We will guarantee the patients to have access to treatment,” Melo said.

To address the virus, a nationwide comprehensive action has been initiated by the government, said the minister.

She said that medical workers would spray disinfectant around streets and homes in the parish of El Valle, where a largest number of dengue cases has been detected.

“Today we initiated the response plan at the Roman Valecillo School of El Valle. We’re now in search of the epidemic virus door to door,” Melo said.

She also said that to curb the spread of dengue, chikungunya and Zika – three viruses transmitted by mosquitoes of the genus Aedes and have similar symptoms, health authorities have established 590 Comprehensive Community Health Areas (ASIC) across the country.

Each ASIC has employed personnel from the education system and the Environment Ministry, as well as the Health Ministry, she said.

Melo also advised to eliminate breeding grounds of the mosquitoes which are known locally as “white legs”.

A representative of the Health Ministry pointed out that there have been two deaths allegedly affected by Zika.

The families of the two victims said they had not yet found immunoglobulin to treat the disease.

“There have already been deaths. And the Zika virus has put the region at high risk. The government should fight the virus, and we have surely been doing so,” said Melo.

She noted that the country has established several key hospitals to fight the disease and purchased some necessary equipment, with three in Caracas city.

Melo added that more efforts are being done at airports, with children and women being put on priority list.