The 411 on Zika virus

ZIKA VIRUS

• The Zika virus has been in the news
  lately as it spreads through South and Central America, the Caribbean, and Mexico,
  being declared a public health emergency by the World Health
  Organization.
• The mosquitoes that transmit the
  virus are not established in Colorado, so transmission here is unlikely.
• Only about one in five persons
  with an infection will show symptoms, usually relatively mild, including:
• Fever, rash, joint pain,
  conjunctivitis (red eyes).
• Muscle pain and headache.
• Many pregnant women who have been
  infected have had babies born with microcephaly (incomplete development of the
  head and brain).
• Guillan Barre Syndrome, a
  debilitating nerve affliction, may also be associated with Zika infections.
• There is no vaccine to prevent
  infections, and no treatment other than support, rest and fluids.
• Travelers to countries where Zika
  has been locally transmitted should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  (CDC) has advised pregnant women to reconsider travel plans to countries where
  Zika virus transmission has been identified as the risks to fetuses may be
  severe.
• If
  you travel to affected countries and experience symptoms upon return, see your
  healthcare provider. Avoid taking aspirin, ibuprophen, or other
  non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs until Dengue infection is ruled out.
• Pregnant
  women who experience symptoms upon return should be tested.
• A
  new concern is that the infection may be passed through sexual intercourse.
• Mesa
  County Health Department’s travel clinic is reaching out to local travel
  agencies and travelers to provide health tips and vaccination recommendations.
• Mesa
  County Health Department is continually monitoring guidance from the Colorado
  Department of Public Health and Environment and the CDC regarding Zika virus ,and
  keeping local health care providers informed of developments.