Government Prepares for Zika Virus

The Health Bureau has increased anti-mosquito measures in 110 black spots around Macao (Photo provided by the Health Bureau)

The Zika virus is showing signs of spreading to different places around the world. In order to check its spread to the MSAR, the Macao SAR Health Bureau (SSM) has introduced a series of measures at different borders. These measures include seeking out and destroying the habitation of mosquitoes at the border and surrounding areas in order to reduce the number of mosquitoes and lower the risk of the Zika virus and dengue fever spreading to the city. The SSM has also increased the number of temperature screening and health checks for people entering the territory from affected regions.

The SSM have requested flights from Zika affected regions to implement the anti-mosquito measure since mid-June to lower the risk of spreading the virus. The SSM is also promoting, with the help of Macao Government Tourism Office channels, awareness of the disease by poster and information leaflets displayed in the airport, harbours and land border points, while also reminding people to visit the territory's clinics if they suspect they have been affected.

The SSM has also increased the number of anti-mosquito measures to once a week in 110 different black spots around Macao, including construction sites and parks. The life cycle of the mosquito is about one week, thus the SSM will take anti-mosquito measures once a week in order to prevent mosquitoes breeding. Because of the increased number of anti-mosquito measures, the Health Bureau understands that some measures may cause inconvenience but hopes the public can co-operate with the Bureau.

As the Zika virus is spreading throughout Singapore, the Macao SAR Tourism Crisis Management Office reminds people planning to visit the Lion City that they should follow the guidelines issued by the SSM in order to prevent being bitten by any pest and preventing contraction of the Zika virus.

If the public require assistance, they can call the 24 hours Tourism Hotline (853) 2833 3000 or call the local Chinese Embassy or 24-hour hotline of the Global Emergency Call Centre for Consular Protection and Services of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China (86 10) 12308 to seek assistance.