Japan steps up quarantine to fight Zika virus

Quarantine officials at Narita Airport have stepped up measures to detect possible cases of people infected with the Zika virus. This follows a decision by the health ministry to designate the Zika fever as an infectious disease. Starting on Monday, people found to have a fever after submitting to a thermographic camera check will be required to undergo a medical examination at an airport clinic to see if they are infected. Passengers who report health problems at immigration will also be required to have a health check. If a person is found to have the virus, clinic staff will inform them as well as public health officials. Narita Airport quarantine officials are calling on people travelling to affected regions to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and to use insect repellant. They are also advising pregnant women to exercise extra caution. Source and image: NHK Share this:TweetEmail

February 16, 2016

Quarantine officials at Narita Airport have stepped up measures to detect possible cases of people infected with the Zika virus.

This follows a decision by the health ministry to designate the Zika fever as an infectious disease.

Starting on Monday, people found to have a fever after submitting to a thermographic camera check will be required to undergo a medical examination at an airport clinic to see if they are infected.

Passengers who report health problems at immigration will also be required to have a health check.

If a person is found to have the virus, clinic staff will inform them as well as public health officials.

Narita Airport quarantine officials are calling on people travelling to affected regions to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and to use insect repellant. They are also advising pregnant women to exercise extra caution.