Zika Confirmed Nashville Tennessee ex-Honduras

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The Metro Public Health Department received confirmation today from the Tennessee Department of Health of the first person in Davidson County to test positive for Zika virus. The individual recently returned to Nashville after traveling to Honduras where Zika disease is being transmitted by mosquitoes.

http://www.nashville.gov/News-Media/News-Article/ID/5422/MPHD-Officials-Announce-Nashvilles-First-Human-Zika-Case.aspx

 

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MPHD Officials Announce Nashville’s First Human Zika Case

6/28/2016

NASHVILLE, Tenn., (June 28,2016) -- The Metro Public Health Department received confirmation today from the Tennessee Department of Health of the first person in Davidson County to test positive for Zika virus. The individual recently returned to Nashville after traveling to Honduras where Zika disease is being transmitted by mosquitoes. The individual is expected to recover from the illness. 

“Many people travel to and from Nashville to countries where Zika is being transmitted, therefore, we expected the possibility of imported cases of the disease,” said Bill Paul, M.D., Director of Health of Nashville/Davidson County.  “Those who become ill soon after returning from a Zika transmission area should contact their health care provider,” Dr. Paul said.

“Even though mosquitoes are not spreading Zika here, we know West Nile virus has been an issue for more than a decade and should be a reminder for everyone to routinely take steps to protect against biting mosquitoes and prevent mosquito breeding areas by removing standing water.” Dr. Paul said.

Health Department staff will be visiting the Otter Creek Area where the traveler lives to distribute flyers to area residents. The mosquito prevention and protection flyers are also available on the Health Department’s website. 

Mosquito Prevention Video

Mosquito Prevention Handout

CDC officials recently concluded that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly, as well as other problems among infants infected with Zika virus before birth. With the exception of pregnant women, Zika virus is almost always a very mild illness, and for most people testing is not necessary. Approximately 80 percent of those infected show no symptoms of the disease while approximately 20 percent show only mild symptoms. 

Microcephaly is a condition where the head is smaller than normal and may lead to a child experiencing a variety of other health challenges including physical and speech functions, seizure, hyperactivity, coordination problems and other brain/neurological disorders. The Health Department advises women who are pregnant or of childbearing age to especially understand the risk of contracting Zika virus disease.

The list of affected areas where Zika disease is transmitted by mosquitoes includes many countries in the Caribbean and South and Central America. The list changes frequently; to see the most current list, go to www.cdc.gov/zika/.

There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus infection. Its most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Pregnant women can be infected with Zika virus in any trimester and there have been increased cases of microcephaly possibly associated with Zika virus infections.

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Map Update

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