Zika Confirmed In New Brunswick Canada Traveler

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Zika virus case confirmed in New Brunswick

Person infected had travelled to a region affected by the outbreak and has recovered

CBC News Posted: Apr 29, 2016 12:21 PM AT Last Updated: Apr 29, 2016 12:21 PM AT

Acting Chief Medical Officer of Health Jennifer Russell advises anyone who is pregnant or who has hopes to become pregnant in the near future to see advice from a health professional about travel to countries where the Zika virus is present. (CBC)

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• Zika virus outbreak an emergency, World Health Organization says

A case of Zika virus has been confirmed in New Brunswick, according to the province's acting chief medical officer of health, Dr. Jennifer Russell.

The person who was infected with the virus had recently travelled to a region affected by the outbreak, said Russell in a news release.

In February, the World Health Organization declared the mosquito-borne Zika virus outbreak in the Americas to be a public health emergency.

The virus is mainly spread by bites from infected mosquitoes in the Caribbean, South and Central America. 

 

 

Aedes aegypti, the species of mosquito that carries Zika virus. (US Centers for Disease Control)

"The overall risk to New Brunswickers is very low as the species of mosquitoes that can carry the virus are unable to survive the cool weather in New Brunswick or Canada," said Russell, acting chief medical officer of health.

The virus can also be sexually transmitted. 

"Transmission of the Zika virus through semen has been reported but is very rare. Men who have travelled to a country with an ongoing outbreak should use condoms with any partner who could become pregnant for six months after their return," said the province's release.

The person affected in New Brunswick did not require hospitalization and has recovered.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/new-brunswick/zika-new-brunswick-1.3558948

 

[niman]

First case of Zika virus infection confirmed in New Brunswick

29 April 2016

FREDERICTON (GNB) – The Department of Health has confirmed the first case of Zika virus infection in New Brunswick.

An individual recently travelled to an area affected by the outbreak. The person did not require hospitalization after contracting the virus and has recovered from the illness.

“The overall risk to New Brunswickers is very low as the species of mosquitoes that can carry the virus are unable to survive the cool weather in New Brunswick or Canada,” said Dr. Jennifer Russell, acting chief medical officer of health.

The Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Affected areas include the Americas, the southern and western Pacific, and some African and Asian countries. The mosquito species are not found in Canada due to the climate.

Travellers to areas affected by the outbreak and to areas at risk of an outbreak can protect themselves against the virus by taking individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing, using mosquito nets, and ensuring that doors and windows are screened.

It is recommended that pregnant women avoid travel to areas with a Zika virus outbreak or to areas at risk of an outbreak. If travel cannot be postponed, then strict mosquito bite prevention measures should be followed. Women wishing to get pregnant should wait at least two months after they return from countries where the virus is circulating before trying to conceive.

Transmission of the Zika virus through semen has been reported but is very rare. Men who have travelled to a country with an ongoing outbreak should use condoms with any partner who could become pregnant for six months after their return. It is recommended that men who have a pregnant partner should use condoms for the duration of the pregnancy. To prevent spreading the virus through sex, couples should use condoms consistently and correctly every time they have sex.

Those traveling to affected areas should take the following measures:

• Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times, as the virus is transmitted by a mosquito that can bite in daylight and evening hours.

• Cover up: light-coloured, long-sleeved, loose fitting, tucked-in shirts, long pants, shoes or boots (not sandals), and a hat.

• Use insect repellent on exposed skin: insect repellents that contain DEET or Icaridin are the most effective, and use as directed by the manufacturer.

• Consider your accommodations: stay in a well-screened or completely enclosed air-conditioned room.

• Sleep under a bed net, preferably one treated with insecticide.

• Apply a permethrin insecticide to clothing and other travel gear for greater protection.

More information on the virus is available online.

http://www2.gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/health/news/news_release.2016.04.0340.html

 

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