Despite having recently been confirmed as a virus that can be transmitted sexually, mosquito bites remain the primary method of transmission for zika.
Advertisement
With the added concern of the Zika virus, many are left to wonder what the county’s plan is. “The period for which men should systematically have protected sexual relations (even oral) needs to be defined”.
Devi Sridhar, professor of global public health at the University of Edinburgh Medical School, issued the stark warning ahead of the start of the start of the two day International Zika Summit tomorrow.
Another important part of the new CDC guidelines for protecting outdoor workers from Zika virus is giving female workers who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant a reassignment to indoor work. Officials also say to treat clothing with permethrin and to avoid perfumes, colognes and products with fragrances that might attract mosquitoes. But in pregnant women, according to the CDC, it can also cause a birth defect known as microcephaly, where an infant’s head is smaller than average.
DPH Commissioner Raul Pino said Friday’s test result “highlights the need for everyone to take precautions if they are travelling to areas affected by Zika”. For those individuals and workers already infected with the virus, the CDC recommends to get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration and see a healthcare provider for a complete diagnosis.
Mosquitoes can spread the virus from one person to another. Hurst says no locally-acquired mosquito-borne Zika cases have been reported in the U.S. But the same kind of mosquito that carries Zika can be found in Louisiana.
Inform workers about their risks of exposure to Zika virus through mosquito bites and train them how to protect themselves.
The DHEC Zika Forum focused on prevention measures for county officials, and outlined measures that state officials would take if the virus is reported in SC. Health departments, especially in areas along the Texas-Mexico border, are preparing for the expected arrival of the Zika Virus, carried by the aegypti mosquito, which is endemic to the region.
The mosquitoes spreading the Zika virus in South America, Latin America and Caribbean countries are not in MS as far as the state Department of Health knows. Almost 80 percent of people who catch the virus will show no symptoms, which includes: fever, rash, joint soreness, or redness of the eyes.
For more information, visit the CDC’s Zika page.
Advertisement
DHEC is warning that anyone who contracts the virus should avoid mosquitoes, so that the virus is not transmitted to the bugs.
