|
RALEIGH, N.C. – State officials continue to encourage
awareness of travel recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention as they pertain to Zika virus. There are five
travel-related cases of Zika virus confirmed in North Carolina, and North
Carolinians are encouraged to stay informed of the risk of Zika virus
infection before traveling to Central America, South America, Mexico or
the Caribbean.
“We have anticipated all along that travel-related cases
would be identified in North Carolina, and while travel-related cases are
not a probable threat to public health, we always actively monitor
emerging global situations and adjust resources to meet needs,” said
State Health Director, Randall Williams, MD. “Travelers to any of the
countries with active Zika transmission should follow precautions to
minimize their exposure to mosquito bites. Pregnant women are
particularly urged to take note of the recent CDC travel recommendations
advising that travel to areas with active virus transmission be postponed
if possible."
Zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of an
infectious mosquito. Symptoms include rash and red eyes. Less common
symptoms include fever, joint pains and muscle aches. Only about one in
five people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms. Sexual
transmission of Zika virus is possible, and is of particular concern
during pregnancy.
A pregnant woman infected with Zika virus can pass the
virus to her unborn baby. A serious birth defect of the brain called
microcephaly, and other adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported in
some mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued
a travel advisory recommending pregnant women consider postponing travel
to any area with active Zika virus transmission. Women who are
trying to become pregnant should talk to their doctors about the risk of
Zika virus infection before traveling.
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services is
currently hiring two medical entomologists, who will oversee surveillance
and monitoring of vectors, such as mosquitoes, in North Carolina and
consult with local programs on best practices of vector control.
While the primary mosquitoes that carry Zika
virus are not believed to be widespread in North Carolina,
individuals are always encouraged, as a routine precaution, to take steps
to prevent mosquito bites, such as:
- Wearing
insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection
Agency.
- Wearing
long-sleeved shirts and pants.
- Using air
conditioning or making sure window and door screens are in
place.
|
No comments:
Post a Comment