The state is already offering free Zika virus tests to pregnant women who have traveled to affected areas or have sexual partners who have.
Advertisement
Communications Secretary Herminio Coloma Jr. has clarified that the United States travel alert over Zika virus advises people visiting the country to practice enhanced precautions.
Some major USA cities, including New York City and Los Angeles, could face outbreaks of the Zika virus this summer, scientists say.
On Feb. 29, the health department’s laboratory began testing for Zika, which is suspected to cause microcephaly – abnormally small heads and brains – in fetuses. Diagnosis of the virus is typically confirmed with a blood test. In the past, there have also been reports of patients developing Guillain-Barré syndrome following a Zika virus infection.
The DOH has presented its National Action Plan to address Zika using four strategies – surveillance, vector control or increased efforts to control the spread of aedes aegypti mosquitoes, clinical management, and health promotion through effective information dissemination.
Outbreaks of the disease have been reported in more than 30 nations and territories in the Americas.
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, according to the CDC. The virus can also be sexually transmitted from one person to another.
As part of the DOH’s#ZapZika campaign to educate the public on the virus and its possible complications, Dr. Artuto Brito gave a presentation in Spanish to North Hudson residents and warned that pregnant women should be especially cognizant of the disease. Most people who get the virus will never experience any symptoms.
The Zika (ZEE’-ka) virus was first discovered in monkeys in Uganda in 1947; its name comes from the Zika forest where it was first discovered. There is now no vaccine to prevent or medicine for treatment of Zika virus and cases of death are rare.
Advertisement
Pregnant women or women thinking of becoming pregnant should postpone trips to areas affected by Zika, the department said.
