ZIKA Virus
On January 22, 2016, CDC activated its Emergency Operations Center to respond to outbreaks of Zika occurring in the United States of America and increased reports of birth defects and Guillain-Barré syndrome in areas affected by Zika. On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern because of clusters of microcephaly and other neurological disorders in some areas affected by Zika. On February 8, 2016, CDC elevated its EOC activation to a Level 1, the highest level. Things you should know regarding the outbreak of the Zika Virus: As of February 9th 2016, no local mosquito-borne Zika virus disease cases have been reported in US states, but there have been travel associated cases. Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding
the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil. Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries. Zika virus will continue to spread and it will be difficult to determine how and where the virus will spread over time. No vaccine exists to prevent the Zika virus disease however you can prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites. Typically, mosquitoes that spread the Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime. If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick • • • • •
During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
To help prevent others from getting sick, avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness. The spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has been reported.
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Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases. They prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes are found, take the following steps: • • • • •
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Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
For more information please call 1-800-CDC-INFO Information has been provided by the CDC
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