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Zika Virus Update

Wednesday, February 17, 2016

Zika Virus Update

 

Nebraska has seen its first cases of Zika virus in two travelers returning from affected countries. Currently, the Zika virus has been found in certain areas with generally tropical climates and is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito. If you are planning to travel and would like to see if the area you are visiting has been found to be affected then please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at www.cdc.gov.

 

Approximately 1 in 5 people infected with Zika become ill.  The most common symptoms include: fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. There are no medicines or vaccines to protect against the Zika virus at this time.

 

It has also been shown that Zika virus may spread from pregnant women to their unborn child(ren).  Reports of a serious birth defect of the brain, microcephaly (small head size), is being studied. For this reason, the CDC recommends that pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to known Zika affected areas. It is also recommended that women trying to get pregnant should talk to their healthcare provider before they or their male partners travel to Zika affected areas.

 

As with all mosquito-bite related illnesses, taking steps to protect from mosquito bites applies for those traveling to Zika affected areas:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants whenever possible. 

  • Stay inside with air conditioning and screened windows and doors.

  • Use mosquito repellant and reapply every few hours. 

  • Eliminate standing water

If you are a pregnant woman and have symptoms of Zika virus disease AND you have recently traveled to an area of the world where the Zika virus is active, contact your medical provider. 


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Elkhorn Logan Valley Public Health Department

Address

PO Box 779
2104 21st Circle
Wisner, NE 68791

Phone

402.529.2233
877.379.4400
After Hours: 402.841.8110

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