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.
CDC site: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
CDPHE site: https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdphe/zika