Oklahoma health department warns travelers about Zika infection

Oklahoma health officials are warning people who travel to countries where the Zika virus is spreading to take steps to avoid infection.

Outbreaks of the mosquito-borne viral disease have been reported in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, prompting state and federal health officials to sound the alarm. Local transmission of the virus has not been identified in the United States, but cases have been reported among people who have traveled outside the U.S. to affected regions.

No cases of the disease have been reported in Oklahoma as of Friday, said Jamie Dukes, spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

According to the state health department, the virus occurs in several of the world’s tropical and subtropical areas, especially Africa, Southeast Asia and Pacific Ocean islands. The first report of a local transmission in the Western Hemisphere came from Brazil in May 2015, and other cases have been reported in several countries and territories in the Americas since then.

The bite of an infected Aedes mosquito is the primary source of the virus among people, according to the state health department. The mosquitoes become infected when they bite a human carrier, and they can then spread the virus to other people through their bites.

The virus is most commonly transmitted to people by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, and it might be spread by the Aedes albopictus species as well. The same mosquitoes transmit the diseases dengue and chikungunya.

In the United States, the Aedes aegypti mosquito appears most frequently in the Gulf Coast states, including Florida, Georgia and part of Texas, said Laurence Burnsed, epidemiologist with the state health department. It is less common in Oklahoma.

“We do know that here in Oklahoma, we do have that species of mosquito,” he said. “It’s not one of our more prevalent species.”

Burned said the Aedes albopictus species is more prevalent in Oklahoma, but it’s not clear whether that species carries the Zika virus.

Symptoms of Zika disease occur in 20 percent to 25 percent of the people who are infected, according to the state health department. The most common signs include fever, rash, conjunctivitis — also known as pinkeye — or joint pain, but other symptoms may include a headache and muscle pain.

The symptoms are similar to the signs associated with dengue and chikungunya — disease spread by the same mosquitoes that transmit Zika.

The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said the illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting anywhere from several days to a week. The virus usually remains in an infected person’s blood for a few days, but it may be found longer in some people.

Severe cases requiring hospitalization are uncommon, and deaths are rare.

Researchers are studying a possible connection between the virus and microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s head is much smaller than expected, according to the CDC. The condition may occur with no other major birth defects, or it may occur in combination with other birth defects.

People who develop Zika-like symptoms after visiting areas where the virus is found should contact their health care provider, who may order blood tests to look for Zika or other similar viruses.

Pregnant women in any trimester should consider delaying travel to areas where the virus is being transmitted, according to the CCC. Pregnant women who do visit those areas should consult their health care provider first and take steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip.

Women who are trying to become pregnant or thinking about getting pregnant should talk to their doctor before traveling to those regions.

Burnsed said cases of Zika disease may appear in the United States, particularly among people who travel to regions where outbreaks are occurring. But he said experts do not expect widespread transmission in the U.S., partly because it’s easier to disrupt the series of events that could lead to a major outbreak and partly.

He added that state and local officials are already taking steps to reduce the risk of mosquito bites.

Prevention and treatment

There are no vaccines or medicines available to treat or prevent Zika infections, according to the CDC. But people can treat their symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and taking medicines such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain.

The CDC advises people with the infection to avoid taking aspirin or other non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen and naproxen. Those medicines should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of hemorrhaging.

People who are already taking medicine for other health problems should consult their health care provider before taking additional medications.

The key to preventing infection is avoiding mosquito bites while traveling to areas where the virus is found.

The state health department offers these tips for preventing mosquito bites:

• Use air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you cannot protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, use mosquito nets on bedding.

• Use mosquito repellents according to directions.

• If the weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

• Reduce the number of mosquitoes outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing waters from outdoor containers.

People with a Zika infection should avoid mosquito bites during the first week of their illness, when the virus can be found in their blood and passed to another mosquito through biting, according to the CDC. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.

Epidemiologist Laurence Burnsed said people considering a trip to countries where the Zika virus is widespread should gather more information about the virus. He added that travelers should do their homework and monitor travel advisories before starting their trip.

“Be aware, especially if you’re considering international travel,” he said. “That way, you can take the appropriate precautions.”

By Eric Swanson The Ada News. Copyright 2016 by The Ada News. Provided by AP Exchange.

The Gayly – January 30, 2016 @ 7:20 a.m.