Surabaya, E Java, (Antara) - East Java uses device to detect body temperature at Juanda International Airport of Surabaya in a bid to prevent the spread of the feared Zika virus to the province.
"The action is a precautionary measure to prevent the virus from entering East Java," the provincial Governor Soekarwo said.
The governor claimed East Java is still free from Zika virus and control would be tightened to keep it clean although dengue has been reported rampant in that province.
A report quoted data from provincial health services, said there were 1,680 dengue cases in East Java in January, causing the death of 39 victims in five regencies - Jombang, Sumenep, Jember, Banyuangi and Malang.
High fever is one of the symptoms of people infected by Zika virus similar to symptoms of ones attacked by dengue.
In Jakarta, Health Minister Nila F Moeloek warned pregnant mothers to use mosquito nets in their bedroom to protect them from Ziko virus.
The spread of dengue virus in the country has brought about fear of the more deadly Zika virus, as the carrier of both viruses is the same mosquito - Aedes Aegypti.
Zika has caused a global concern because of its rapid pace of spreading .
The World Health Organization has even announced a situation of global emergency in facing the outbreak of Zika virus.
WHO Director General Margaret Chan described the rapid spread of Zika viru as extraordinary that has to be dealt with a coordinated response.(*)
