The Federal Government has issued a new directive that Nigerians, especially pregnant women should be restricted from travelling to Latin America due to the Zika virus outbreak until the situation improves.

The government said anyone coming from any of the Latin American countries should be interviewed at the various ports of entry and tested for symptoms of the Zika virus.

This was disclosed in a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the Federal Ministry of Health, Boade Akinola, on Friday.

“There is no single case of Zika virus infection in the country and there is no need to panic.”

“The World Health Organisation has raised a global alert because the disease has affected about 23 countries in Americas especially in Latin America. At the moment, there is no cure or vaccine for Zika virus infection.

“The Federal Ministry of Health hereby advises a travel restriction especially by pregnant women to Latin America for now until situation improves. In addition, we have directed the NCDC to include Zika virus diagnosis as part of ongoing effort to manage Lassa fever outbreak in the country.

“Nigerians should be vigilant and report promptly any case of unexplained fever that lasts more than 48 hours, especially in those that travelled to Latin America recently, to health care professionals. Nigerians working at various ports of entry into the country should interview anyone coming from any of the Latin American countries for evidence Zika virus symptoms,” said Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole.

Janeth J