North Korea on alert for Zika virus outbreak

SEOUL, June 6 (UPI) -- North Korea may be nervous about the Zika virus.

Pyongyang's propaganda outlet Arirang Meari stated on Monday the citizens of Kaesong near the demilitarized zone are taking initiatives to block the virus from entering the town.

"In the city, all healthcare workers have been mobilized to educate residents about preventative measures, and a program of disinfection is being established," North Korea said in its statement.

Kaesong, a short drive from the DMZ, is adjacent to the jointly operated factory park that was suspended in February.

South Koreans once worked in the area but the shutdown resulted in their expulsion from the complex.

North Korea isn't taking any chances, perhaps out of fear the Zika virus is airborne, or mosquitoes carrying the virus could infiltrate the border – and particularly the demarcation line facing the South.

"Hospitals located between the Imjin River and the DMZ in particular are enhancing hygiene and stepping up health campaigns. They are eliminating all favorable conditions for mosquitoes, and underground facilities, natural caves are undergoing disinfection," North Korea stated.

In the past, North Korea condemned the South for other epidemics, including the outbreak of Middle East Respiratory Syndrome from May to July 2015.

Pyongyang has previously blamed the United States for introducing the MERS Coronavirus to South Korea but without providing supporting claims.

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that has been linked to microcephaly, a condition in which a baby's head is smaller due to abnormal brain development.