Brazil says it’s safe for travel

The embassy of Brazil yesterday stressed it is safe to travel to the country, citing the coordinated and strengthened efforts to eliminate mosquitoes that may transmit the Zika virus, which has been linked to microcephaly in newborns.

In a statement sent to The STAR by Ambassador-designate Rodrigo do Amaral Souza, the Brazilian government said all necessary measures are being undertaken to react quickly and curb the spread of the virus.

“It is worth remembering that it is safe in Brazil. (Like in) trips to other countries, precautions must be taken by tourists and travelers. The Brazilian government does not recommend any restrictive measure (for) travel or international trade,” part of the statement read.

Souza advised pregnant women though to seek “special medical attention” if they intend to visit the country soon, adding that it would be best for them to wear pants and long-sleeved shirts and to use non-toxic repellents.

“The Ministry of Health is investigating all cases of microcephaly, defects or other congenital infections reported by the state and their possible link with the Zika virus. Microcephaly can be caused by various infectious agents beyond Zika, including syphilis, toxoplasmosis, rubella, cytomegalovirus and herpes among other infectious agents,” the statement read.

It added that around 220,000 military men would join about 300,000 private and public individuals who volunteered to eliminate the mosquito and defend children.

The embassy also reported that environment surveillance agents visited all the Olympics facilities construction sites. This year’s Olympics will be held in Rio de Janeiro in August.

“During the games, all Olympic venues will have at least one permanent environmental monitoring agent certified… (for) search, elimination or treatment of areas that could become mosquito breeding places,” Souza said.

He added that teams will also work in areas mostly visited by people to ensure that mosquitoes are eradicated.