Kenya experts more worried about other infections like dengue fever instead of Zika virus
The world health organization has declared it a public health emergency Across south America Zika virus appears to be on the rampage Brazil the hardest hit with at least 4,000 mothers giving birth to children with severe birth defects. But in Africa where the virus was first detected experts say there’s no cause for alarm.
“the transmission cycle doesn’t seem to be actively happening in Kenya. while the Aedes Aegyptus mosquitoes is here especially in the cost the prevalence is low” Joseph Mwagangi, Kenya Medical Research Institute
The Aedes Aegyptus or the yellow fever mosquito has been in Africa for a long time. Its often recognized with white markings on its legs and unlike other mosquitoes its known to bite during the day. Victims rarely show any symptoms. In Kenya it prevalent along the coastal region where it causes other tropical infections like the dengue fever. Joseph Mwanganagi a vector biologist at the Kenya medical research institute says with time Kenyans and Africans in general may have developed immunity
Experts are more worried about other infections like dengue fever But with Zika they say its time to re strategize , carry out clinical surveillance.
“we’ve not been looking for zika but now we need to refocus and include it maybe when we look actively for it we may find it” Joseph Mwagangi, Kenya Medical Research Institute
Until then Africa remains safe for now but vigilant
