Zika Kentucky Travelers Increase To Six

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To date, 6 confirmed cases of Zika virus have been reported in Kentuckians who contracted the illness while traveling to other countries.

http://healthalerts.ky.gov/Pages/AlertItem.aspx?alertID=42499

 

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Monday, May 9, 2016

DPH Launches Fight the Bite Campaign for Zika Prevention

Health and Family Services Cabinet Secretary Vickie Yates Brown Glisson, Department of Agriculture Commissioner Ryan Quarles, and representatives from the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) and University of Kentucky gathered at the Kentucky State University Research Farm today for a Zika prevention event. Launching its “Fight the Bite Day and Night” campaign, participants discussed the state’s plans to respond to Zika in Kentucky and emphasized measures to prevent mosquito bites and control the mosquito population locally.

 

Three stations focused on various topics related to Zika prevention. Guests were led through each display area where subject matter experts provided information on Kentucky’s mosquito population; public mosquito control efforts; addressing standing water issues and removing mosquito breeding grounds around the home; and personal protective measures like insect repellent and appropriate clothing. The event also introduced “Marty Mosquito,” public health’s mascot for Zika prevention and awareness. 

 

“Whenever an infectious disease is identified as a global health threat, people start to feel a great deal of concern and fear what could happen. They wonder if they are at risk; how to protect themselves and their loved ones from getting sick; and they wonder if the healthcare system and public health leaders are prepared to handle an outbreak close to home,” said Sec. Glisson, who provided an overview of what the state is doing to prepare for a possible Zika outbreak in Kentucky. “This is crucial in helping people understand the issue and to better direct the public’s sense of comfort and personal protection and prevention efforts.”

 

Zika has been identified by the World Health Organization as an international public health threat. There are no known cases of Zika transmission occurring in the state of Kentucky – or any part of the United States – at this time. Zika virus is not known to be circulating in the mosquito population in Kentucky at this time. However, DPH and the Department of Agriculture are working together to respond to mosquito control issues if the virus enters the state’s mosquito population as well as emphasize the importance of localized and individual prevention. 

 

“We need every Kentuckian to be a part of this effort,” Commissioner Quarles said at the news conference. “Citizens can help by eliminating areas of standing water that could serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes – puddles, old tires, buckets, and any household items that potentially could fill with water if left outside. With your help, we can help minimize the spread of the Zika virus across the Commonwealth.”

 

To date, 6 confirmed cases of Zika virus have been reported in Kentuckians who contracted the illness while traveling to other countries.

 

There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no specific antiviral treatment for Zika.  The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain or red/burning eyes.  Recent evidence reveals that Zika can cause microcephaly and other fetal birth defects in infants born to women who are infected during pregnancy. Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is smaller than normal. Microcephaly can be found alone or in conjunction with other birth defects. 

 

“Zika virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito and is circulating in many areas of the world where Kentuckians travel for vacation, work and mission trips. Though many people affected by Zika only experience mild or no symptoms, the virus poses serious risk for infants exposed before birth due to maternal infection,” said Dr. Ardis Hoven, infectious disease specialist for the Kentucky Department for Public Health. “We have been stressing the importance of taking preventive measures, like using repellent and wearing appropriate clothing, and wanted to have this event to demonstrate what we have been saying about prevention.”

 

International travelers to at-risk countries who develop fever, joint pain, rash, or eye burning/redness during or after travel should consult with their medical provider.

 

DPH and CDC continue to advise travelers to take measures to protect themselves and their family members from mosquito bites during travel and for three weeks after departure from an area with active Zika transmission, such as areas in South and Central America and the Caribbean. More information about Zika can be obtained from the DPH Health Alerts website at http://healthalerts.ky.gov/Pages/Zika.aspx.

 

•Women who are pregnant should not travel to areas with Zika. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas for business or family emergencies should talk to their doctor or other healthcare professional first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites.

 

•Women trying to become pregnant should consult with their healthcare professional before traveling to these areas and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

 

•Pregnant women should avoid sexual contact with any man who has recently returned from areas with Zika transmission or consistently and correctly use condoms with each sexual encounter for the duration of the pregnancy.

 

•Men who develop symptoms during or after travel to Zika-affected areas should wear condoms for six months or consider abstaining from sexual activity.

 

•Men who travel to a Zika-affected area and do not develop any symptoms within two weeks of travel should wear condoms for 8 weeks after departure from Zika-affected area.  The duration of Zika virus being present in semen after infection is not presently known.

 

Additional facts and information specifically related to Zika virus can be found online at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.

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Map update

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Boone County man tests positive for Zika virus

Friday, June 24th 2016, 8:26 am EDTFriday, June 24th 2016, 8:51 am EDT

Posted by FOX19 Digital Media Staff

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Source: CDC/Cynthia Goldsmith

EDGEWOOD, KY (FOX19) -

A Boone County man has tested positive for the Zika virus, according to the Northern Kentucky Health Department.

"With the first case of Zika virus in Northern Kentucky recently confirmed in a Boone County man, the Northern Kentucky Health Department is urging residents to take precautions to prevent the spread of the virus," health officials said in a prepared statement Friday morning.

"The infected individual has a history of travel to an area where Zika virus has been found, and was diagnosed upon his return."

A department spokeswoman declined to elaborate on the location.

 "I can't provide info on where the man traveled, other than to say that it was another country where Zika has been found," Emily Gresham Wherle wrote in an email to FOX19 NOW.

A total of 820 cases of Zika virus have been reported in U.S. states and the District of Columbia as of June 22, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

This includes six cases from Kentucky.

All cases reported to date in the U.S. have been associated with travel to a Zika-affected area.

“Zika virus is primarily transmitted by mosquitoes,” said Lynne M. Saddler, MD, MPH, District Director of Health. “Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.”

The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes (conjunctivitis).

About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. The illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people may not realize they have been infected.

There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other brain abnormalities in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.

To prevent additional travel-associated cases, the Health Department recommends:

• Pregnant women should delay travel to a Zika-affected area.
• Take steps to avoid bug bites by using insect repellent, staying indoors and wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants when possible.
• Continue these precautions for mosquito bites for three weeks upon returning home. Be on the lookout for symptoms, and contact your health care provider right away if you think you may be infected. Be sure to tell your health care provider about your travels.
• There is evidence that Zika is transmitted through sexual contact as well. Individuals who have traveled to areas where Zika virus has been found are advised to either use condoms or abstain from sex, and should consult with a health care provider about specific recommendations and time frames.

"It is possible for Zika to be transmitted to our local mosquitoes by infected travelers—even those who do not have symptoms,” said Saddler.

“Infected mosquitoes could then transmit the virus to other people, so it’s also key that Northern Kentuckians take steps to prevent mosquito bites at home as well,” he said.

Precautions at home include:

• Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. Look for the following active ingredients: DEET, picardin or IR 3535. Mosquitoes that carry Zika are active at day and night, so repellent should be worn any time you are outdoors.
• Wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants when possible. Use insect repellent on your clothes as well. For extra protection, wear clothing treated with permethrin.
• Mosquito-proof your home. Use screens on windows and doors. Use air conditioning when available. Remove all standing water from your property. Common places for standing water include pool covers, empty flowerpots and clogged gutters.

   
For more information, including fact sheets and additional resources for pregnant women and travelers, visit http://www.nkyhealth.org/zika.apsx.

http://www.fox19.com/story/32299238/boone-county-man-tests-positive-for-zika-virus

 

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Map Update

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