DHAKA: The state minister for health and family welfare Zahid Malique on Tuesday (March 22) said they have found one zika virus affected person in Chittagong.

The minister made the disclosure while addressing a press conference at the ministry at noon.

He further said the physicians found the presence of zika virus testing blood samples of a person who was affected in August of 2014.

Later, physicians tested blood samples of 159 of his neighbours and family members but none were found positive, Malique added.

According to the state minister, the 67-year old detected person is currently being treated in a hospital in the port city.

The minister, however, asked the pregnant women to remain cautious.

A pregnant woman, who is affected by zika virus, can give birth to children with abnormally smaller size of head in ratio of the body (microcephaly).

He, however, also said there was nothing to be panicked in this regard as the disease can be treated in the country.

The government has sent medicine and equipment required for its treatment, he added.

The minister also mentioned steps taken by disease prevention department, CDC, health directorate to fight dengue fever.

Director General of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) Professor Dr Deen Muhammad Nurul Haque, Institute of Epidemiology, Disease Control and Research (IEDCR) director Professor Mahmudur Rahman and Professor Shamsur Rahman were, among others, present in the conference here.

They highlighted on various aspects of zika virus and its effects on the body.

BDST: 1524 HRS, MAR 22, 2016
SR/RR/SMS