FEB. 9, 2016

Health Minister Will Travel to Uruguay to Coordinate a Regional Response to the Zika Virus

The Health Minister, Carmen Castillo, attended a meeting led by the President of Chile to coordinate preventive measures that address the potential threat of the Zika virus arriving in Chile. "Our President called this meeting to discuss national strategy" to deal with this virus and "I will attend the meeting in Uruguay representing the Chilean Government, together with the Deputy Undersecretary for Public Health. The aim is to discuss how we are going to face this situation at a global level."

The Minister recalled, “Yesterday we visited the airport to understand the strategies that are being implemented relating to this insect.” Therefore, “We want to reassure the entire population that we are approaching this problem in a responsible, serious and comprehensive manner. Not just in the Health sector, but also other areas need to be strengthened.”

With regard to the measures that travelers should take when visiting areas containing the insects that transmit this disease, Minister Castillo reiterated the importance of following the recommendations provided by the Health Ministry, encouraging them to“buy an insect repellent when they arrive” – which should contain over 30% DEET, and use mosquito nets.

She added that instructions have been sent to obstetricians and gynecologists, “If a pregnant woman had plans to travel to any area where there is a proliferation of the insect and the Zika virus is present, they can request reimbursement of their airfare.”

The meeting took place at the Moneda Palace, and the Health Minister was accompanied by the Undersecretary of Public Health, Pedro Crocco; the Undersecretary of Health Care Networks, Gisela Alarcón; the Public Health Policies and Promotion Division Manager, Tito Pizarro; the Department of Epidemiology Manager, Sergio Loayza; the Governor of the Valparaiso Region, Gabriel Aldoney; and the Regional Health Director for the Valparaiso Region, María Gracia Astudillo.

Main Recommendations

The main prevention measure is to control this insect and avoid being stung. Therefore, anyone traveling to a tropical or subtropical area should inquire beforehand whether the mosquitoAedes is present, or whether diseases such as dengue, yellow fever, Chikungunya or the Zika virus have been reported. If so, the following measures are recommended:

– Wear light-colored clothing that covers most of the body;

– Avoid exposure to the sun during the periods when mosquitoes are most active, which is at dawn and dusk, or maximize precautions;

– Use repellents on exposed areas of skin (which contain 30% of the active substance DEET or picaridin), and apply in accordance with the product’s instructions;

– Use an air conditioner or mosquito netting when sleeping. Otherwise use mosquito screens on windows and doors to help keep them out.

Recommendations for pregnant women:

In accordance with the recommendations from WHO, pregnant women should avoid unnecessary trips to areas where the Zika virus is present.

If such a trip cannot be postponed, it is recommended that you:

– Consult your doctor about the risks;

– Maximize environmental and individual prevention measures, to avoid being bitten by an Aedes mosquito.

There is no evidence that insect repellents cannot be used by pregnant women; however, they must be used in accordance with the product’s instructions.

If upon returning from such a trip any of the symptoms of this disease appear (fever, red spots on the skin and muscle pain), the recommendation is to call Salud Responde (the Health Advice line) at 600 360 7777 or go to a medical center.

Please find further information at: www.minsal.cl/virus-zika