Residents of Prachuap Khiri Khan are being warned to remain cautious after six cases of the Zika virus were diagnosed in the province.
Public health officials in Muang district on Tuesday led an effort to inform residents of the potential dangers of Zika and fumigate residential areas and stagnant bodies of water to eliminate mosquito larvae.
Zika symptoms are consistent with those of dengue fever, and both viruses are spread by mosquitoes, said Anurat Song-in, a representative of the local pubic health office.
Zika is a serious risk for pregnant women in particular as it has been proven to cause microcephaly in some children — a serious brain defect that affects development.
For those who are not pregnant, typical symptoms include headaches, muscle soreness, pain in the joints, skin rashes, and pinkeye (conjunctivitis), all of which are consistent with the symptoms of dengue fever.
Those with these symptoms are advised to seek medical care immediately to receive a diagnosis, and not to take any non-prescribed medication.