Zika virus scare: AP to form help desks at airports, sea ports

HYDERABAD: Andhra Pradesh Government today decided to set up help desks in the airports and sea ports in the state as part of efforts to deal with Zika virus.

Health Minister Kamineni Srinivas, who held a video conference with health officials, directed them to spread awareness among people on the menace of the mosquito bites, especially during day time.

Those returning from Zika virus-hit countries of Latin America and others should be taken care of, he said.

The minister told the officials to conduct blood tests for pregnant women suffering from symptoms of the virus, a release from his office stated.

The necessary blood tests for determining Zika virus should be conducted free of cost in all district and area hospitals, the minister said.

He asked them to earmark at least two beds each in all district and area hospitals for treatment of zika virus-hit patients.

Srinivas also directed that sanitation measures be taken up in coordination with Panchayat Raj, Municipal Administration and local bodies, the release added.