Cuba to deploy 9,000 troops to prevent Zika virus

HAVANA (PNA/Xinhua) – Cuban President Raul Castro on Monday called on his people to help prevent the entry of the Zika virus in the island while dispatching 9,000 troops to strengthen vector control and sanitation efforts.

In an editorial published in the official daily "Granma" on Monday, Castro said that there are no confirmed cases of Zika in Cuba to date. However, he ordered health authorities to monitor and address all suspicious fevers while intensifying controls at airports and ports.

Should the virus appear on the is- land, Cuba's health services have the resources necessary to provide qualified medical care, said Castro.

He recalled that Cuba has worked intensively to reduce the presence of the Aedes aegypti mosquito, as well as reducing factors that can stop Zika from spreading, such as poor sanitation.

As part of this plan of action, the Revolutionary Armed Forces will provide over 9,000 troops, including reserves, to strengthen vector control and sanitation efforts.

"In this situation, it is necessary for all citizens and entities to strictly comply with health standards and measures... to prevent the spread of epidemics," said Castro.

A week ago, Cuba reinforced its epidemiological surveillance at 24 border points in order to detect the possible infection of the Zika virus. 10 airports and 14 seaports have installed temperature scanners to inspect travellers.

The World Health Organization has warned of the rapid spread of the Zika virus which affected 32 countries in Latin America, declaring it an international public health emergency.

The Pan-American Health Organization estimated that the virus could affect 3 to 4 million people in Latin America over the next 12 months.