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Listen "What You Need To Know About The Zika Virus"
Episode Synopsis
What is the Zika virus?
A disease that is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito.
Zika virus was first discovered back in 1947, and only 12 human cases of the infection were recorded over the next 40 years. But since 2007, outbreaks have been recorded in the tropical forests of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and now in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
How is Zika virus transmitted and what are the symptoms?
It can be transmitted from human to human, whish is not unusual among mosquito-borne illnesses, e.g. malaria. Like malaria, Zika can be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn fetus and through blood transfusions. Unlike malaria, Zika can also be transmitted through unprotected sexual relations.
Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, and last for several days to a week. Symptoms for 80 percent of those infected are minor. However, if a fetus is exposed at any time during pregnancy, it may develop a brain disorder called microcephaly, which results in an abnormally small brain.
What is the current status of Zika virus in the U.S.?
No cases have yet been recorded in U.S. through mosquito bites. However, travel to affected areas has resulted in 273 cases. Six cases resulted from personal relationships, 19 involved pregnancies, and there has been at least one case of microcephaly in the U.S. Mosquitoes carrying the disease will likely migrate to U.S. by this summer, with southern and mid-Atlantic states most at risk.
How can public entities minimize risk?
Communicate with constituencies and spread word in communities regarding potential ramifications. Alert employees to potential risks and how to protect themselves through wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and the use of mosquito netting. Offer advice about the different types of insect repellants and how to use them properly. Eliminate standing water and be prepared to ramp up mosquito repellant programs.
A disease that is primarily spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species of mosquito.
Zika virus was first discovered back in 1947, and only 12 human cases of the infection were recorded over the next 40 years. But since 2007, outbreaks have been recorded in the tropical forests of Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and now in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
How is Zika virus transmitted and what are the symptoms?
It can be transmitted from human to human, whish is not unusual among mosquito-borne illnesses, e.g. malaria. Like malaria, Zika can be transmitted from an infected mother to her unborn fetus and through blood transfusions. Unlike malaria, Zika can also be transmitted through unprotected sexual relations.
Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes, and last for several days to a week. Symptoms for 80 percent of those infected are minor. However, if a fetus is exposed at any time during pregnancy, it may develop a brain disorder called microcephaly, which results in an abnormally small brain.
What is the current status of Zika virus in the U.S.?
No cases have yet been recorded in U.S. through mosquito bites. However, travel to affected areas has resulted in 273 cases. Six cases resulted from personal relationships, 19 involved pregnancies, and there has been at least one case of microcephaly in the U.S. Mosquitoes carrying the disease will likely migrate to U.S. by this summer, with southern and mid-Atlantic states most at risk.
How can public entities minimize risk?
Communicate with constituencies and spread word in communities regarding potential ramifications. Alert employees to potential risks and how to protect themselves through wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants and the use of mosquito netting. Offer advice about the different types of insect repellants and how to use them properly. Eliminate standing water and be prepared to ramp up mosquito repellant programs.
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