Dubai is free of the species of mosquito responsible for spreading the Zika virus, according to a public health official.
Abdul Rahman Al Yahya, head of the public health pest control section at Dubai Municipality, said precautionary efforts have been made to monitor the species, Aedes aegypti, which has been identified for spreading Zika.
He said there has been an increase in monitoring at airports, ports, natural reserves, public gardens and parks.
Officials are also keeping a close eye on horse stables, race tracks, as well as residential, commercial and industrial areas, he said.
He said an emergency team has been formed to monitor mosquitoes in Dubai and Zika, which health authorities have said could possibly be linked to birth defects reported in Brazil.
The virus has spread to over 31 other countries and territories.
Mr Al Yahya said Aedes aegypti, which originated from Africa and has spread to tropical areas around the world, is also the same species responsible for spreading dengue and yellow fever.
newdesk@thenational.ae
