Zika Virus Travel Alert Notice

  • Published
  • By Maj. Heidi A. Hernandez
  • 4th Medical Group
SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  News of Zika virus has currently saturated the news as the number of infants born with microcephaly (small heads and brains) in South America increases. 

Zika virus was first detected in the Western Hemisphere in 2015, purportedly transmitted from Africa to Brazil during the 2015 FIFA World Cup. 

The virus was first detected in humans as early as 1950 in Uganda, Africa in the Zika forest.  Zika virus rarely causes death or hospitalizations, and 1 in 5 persons don't even know they've been infected. 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention implemented a travel notice, alert level two for several countries, because of the link between Zika infection and babies born with microcephaly. Visit www.cdc.gov/zika for a comprehensive list of countries. 

What are the signs and symptoms?
Symptoms consist of fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis (red eyes with drainage), muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for two to seven days.

How is Zika transmitted?
Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti, but can also be transmitted in cooler climates by Aedes albopictus. This mosquito is a daytime biter, unlike other mosquitoes which are nighttime biters. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever. 

Local transmission of Zika virus has not been documented in the continental United States. However, Zika virus infections have been reported in travelers returning to the United States. In addition, there have been a few confirmed transmissions via sexual contact between intimate partners.

How can I protect myself?
Although there is no vaccine available, simple methods are applied for protection:
· Wear clothes treated with permethrin.
· Use insect repellant.
· Wear long pants and sleeves.
· Stay in screened or air conditioned areas.
· Avoid or postpone travel to affected countries and territories.
· Pregnant and lactating women can use all Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellents, including DEET, according to the product label.
· If considering starting a family and one partner has traveled to an at-risk area, it is strongly recommended to consider blood testing prior to pregnancy.

What should I do if I think I've been infected and is there treatment/vaccine?
Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment.

· People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines.

· If symptoms worsen, seek medical care and advice.

· You should also stay indoors until your test results confirm or deny the presence of the virus to prevent mosquito bites and infections.

· Men who reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission who have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during sex (i.e., vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, or fellatio) for the duration of the pregnancy.

· At this time, testing of men for the sole purpose of assessing risk for sexual transmission is not recommended--however family planning considerations would be appropriate.

What about pregnant females or those wishing to become pregnant in the future?
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

Can I still breastfeed my child?
To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found.

Is microcephaly directly caused by the Zika virus?
According to the World Health Organization the relationship between Zika virus infection and the development of microcephaly is still not understood.  However, the CDC announced a confirmation of the link.

What can we expect in the future with this virus in North Carolina?
Currently the SJAFB Public Health office and the North Carolina State Department of Public Health are monitoring current events and developments with Zika virus. At this time there are many questions and little answers when it comes to this virus. The WHO, CDC and many other agencies are working to understand what exactly is causing microcephaly in babies and how long the virus stays in the body.

It's important for people to protect themselves as much as possible if deploying to these locations, traveling for leisure or business and to heed CDC travel precautions. Public Health will continue to monitor the mosquito population on base and send samples to the United States Air Force School of Aerospace Medicine for testing of diseases such as Zika. If necessary, earlier than normal or extended spray control periods might be required if the presence of the virus is detected on base or in the surrounding counties.

For further questions call the 4th Medical Group Public Health office at (919)722-1172 or visit  www.cdc.gov/zika, www.who.org or epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/zika.html.