Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA has called on the Health Minister to provide clarity urgently following the Public Health Agency’s confirmation that a number of people from Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with the Zika virus and are being treated by local Health Trusts.
Jo-Anne Dobson said:
“This news is an extremely worrying development and the fact that this virus has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains will be disturbing for local people.
“I am concerned that despite being in the Assembly Chamber answering questions yesterday, and having the opportunity to update the public on this development the Health Minister Michelle O’Neill chose silence over providing clarity.
“I would urge the Minister to inform at-risk groups about the risks and how to protect themselves. As I understand it there are currently no vaccines or drugs to treat the virus with patients undergoing treatment being advised to drink water and rest.
“Earlier this year there had been speculation that the virus could reach Europe by the summer and a number of cases have already been diagnosed in Scotland and England. While the World Health Organization has declared the virus as a global public health emergency it has rated the likelihood of an outbreak in Europe as low to moderate.
“The Minister must also ensure that her Department closely monitors developments in both managing and understanding the virus as work is ongoing across the world to develop treatment and testing regimes. I will be raising this issue at tomorrow's Health Committee meeting at Stormont.”
Ulster Unionist Health Spokesperson Jo-Anne Dobson MLA has called on the Health Minister to provide clarity urgently following the Public Health Agency’s confirmation that a number of people from Northern Ireland have been diagnosed with the Zika virus and are being treated by local Health Trusts.
Jo-Anne Dobson said:
“This news is an extremely worrying development and the fact that this virus has been linked to thousands of babies being born with underdeveloped brains will be disturbing for local people.
“I am concerned that despite being in the Assembly Chamber answering questions yesterday, and having the opportunity to update the public on this development the Health Minister Michelle O’Neill chose silence over providing clarity.
“I would urge the Minister to inform at-risk groups about the risks and how to protect themselves. As I understand it there are currently no vaccines or drugs to treat the virus with patients undergoing treatment being advised to drink water and rest.
“Earlier this year there had been speculation that the virus could reach Europe by the summer and a number of cases have already been diagnosed in Scotland and England. While the World Health Organization has declared the virus as a global public health emergency it has rated the likelihood of an outbreak in Europe as low to moderate.
“The Minister must also ensure that her Department closely monitors developments in both managing and understanding the virus as work is ongoing across the world to develop treatment and testing regimes. I will be raising this issue at tomorrow's Health Committee meeting at Stormont.”