niman Posted February 4, 2016 Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 New York is offering free testing to all pregnant travelers, including those that are asymptomatic, from Zika transmitting countries.http://www.governor.ny.gov/news/governor-cuomo-announces-additional-state-actions-combat-and-address-zika Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niman Posted February 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 (edited) FEBRUARY 4, 2016 Albany, NYGovernor Cuomo Announces Additional State Actions to Combat and Address ZikaState expands free testing to include all pregnant women who have traveled to countries impacted by Zika VirusDOH Issues Health Advisory to Local Health Departments, Providers and Hospitals to Coordinate Zika ResponseGovernor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the New York State Department of Health to expand the free Zika virus testing program for all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the infection is ongoing, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. Additionally, the Department of Health has issued a health advisory to local health departments, health care providers and hospitals to further coordinate Zika response efforts in New York State. “These actions will help us continue to ensure the safety of New Yorkers,” said Governor Cuomo. “We are in constant communication with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are taking proactive steps to raise public awareness, address any potential cases of Zika, and protect the public health. Anyone who visited countries impacted by this virus should consult with their health care professionals, and remain alert for possible symptoms.”These actions follow Monday’s announcement of free-testing for symptomatic individuals and an information line (1-888-364-4723) for the public and healthcare providers to learn more about the virus.The Wadsworth Center in Albany is already testing symptomatic New Yorkers who have recently traveled to affected areas but due to concerns regarding birth defects associated with Zika virus, DOH will expand testing to all symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women with recent travel history. Additionally, the CDC is now recommending that pregnant women abstain from sex or utilize condoms for all sexual activities for the duration of their pregnancies if their male partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission. DOH has issued a Health Advisory to coordinate the statewide response to Zika virus. The advisory informs healthcare providers of the expansion of the free Zika testing, and also notifies hospitals and healthcare providers that they are required to report all potential cases to their local health department to ensure a coordinated response to the virus. The advisory also provides instructions on how to handle testing of patients, and establishes a Zika information line for use by providers to interpret test results and gain updated information on the virus. Hospitals and providers must contact their local health department prior to sending samples to Wadsworth. Furthermore, the advisory provides key information on the virus and state health department expertise to local healthcare partners. DOH will continue to coordinate with the CDC and provide real-time information to county health departments and local providers regarding treatment, testing, and prevention protocols to protect New Yorkers from this emerging public health threat.There have now been 11 positive cases of Zika virus infection among New York State residents. All of the infected patients are returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is ongoing. Free testing is being done by the Wadsworth Center - one of the premier state laboratories in the nation - and includes tests to detect the presence of the virus as well as screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies against Zika and other related viruses. DOH continues to work closely with the CDC to refine the lab testing algorithm for patients and Wadsworth is already testing blood and urine based on evidence that the virus may be detectable for longer periods of time in urine."As a result of this expanded testing being offered in New York, more women and their clinicians will have better information to make the right healthcare decisions at the cutting edge of laboratory science," said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "We are actively monitoring the situation and working very closely with the CDC and local health departments to protect New Yorkers from Zika virus."Because the symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually very mild, many people might not even realize they have been infected and typically recover without any issues. However, there have been reports of increased cases of a birth defect known as microcephaly that may be associated with Zika virus infection among pregnant women. DOH has received numerous inquiries from asymptomatic, pregnant women and their healthcare providers and has determined that this expansion of testing will provide pregnant women and their doctors with the valuable information they need to make the best healthcare decisions. Expanded testing will also give scientists a better understanding of the Zika virus, for which little data currently exists.Women who are pregnant and have traveled to a country where Zika is ongoing and their healthcare providers can learn how to access testing and gain additional information by calling the DOH information at: 1-888-364-4723. Additional information on Zika is availablehere on the DOH website. Contact the Governor's Press OfficeAlbany Press Office: 518.474.8418NYC Press Office: 212.681.4640Contact us by email:[email protected] Edited February 4, 2016 by niman Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FEBRUARY 4, 2016 Albany, NYGovernor Cuomo Announces Additional State Actions to Combat and Address ZikaState expands free testing to include all pregnant women who have traveled to countries impacted by Zika VirusDOH Issues Health Advisory to Local Health Departments, Providers and Hospitals to Coordinate Zika ResponseGovernor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the New York State Department of Health to expand the free Zika virus testing program for all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the infection is ongoing, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. Additionally, the Department of Health has issued a health advisory to local health departments, health care providers and hospitals to further coordinate Zika response efforts in New York State. “These actions will help us continue to ensure the safety of New Yorkers,” said Governor Cuomo. “We are in constant communication with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are taking proactive steps to raise public awareness, address any potential cases of Zika, and protect the public health. Anyone who visited countries impacted by this virus should consult with their health care professionals, and remain alert for possible symptoms.”These actions follow Monday’s announcement of free-testing for symptomatic individuals and an information line (1-888-364-4723) for the public and healthcare providers to learn more about the virus.The Wadsworth Center in Albany is already testing symptomatic New Yorkers who have recently traveled to affected areas but due to concerns regarding birth defects associated with Zika virus, DOH will expand testing to all symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women with recent travel history. Additionally, the CDC is now recommending that pregnant women abstain from sex or utilize condoms for all sexual activities for the duration of their pregnancies if their male partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission. DOH has issued a Health Advisory to coordinate the statewide response to Zika virus. The advisory informs healthcare providers of the expansion of the free Zika testing, and also notifies hospitals and healthcare providers that they are required to report all potential cases to their local health department to ensure a coordinated response to the virus. The advisory also provides instructions on how to handle testing of patients, and establishes a Zika information line for use by providers to interpret test results and gain updated information on the virus. Hospitals and providers must contact their local health department prior to sending samples to Wadsworth. Furthermore, the advisory provides key information on the virus and state health department expertise to local healthcare partners. DOH will continue to coordinate with the CDC and provide real-time information to county health departments and local providers regarding treatment, testing, and prevention protocols to protect New Yorkers from this emerging public health threat.There have now been 11 positive cases of Zika virus infection among New York State residents. All of the infected patients are returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is ongoing. Free testing is being done by the Wadsworth Center - one of the premier state laboratories in the nation - and includes tests to detect the presence of the virus as well as screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies against Zika and other related viruses. DOH continues to work closely with the CDC to refine the lab testing algorithm for patients and Wadsworth is already testing blood and urine based on evidence that the virus may be detectable for longer periods of time in urine."As a result of this expanded testing being offered in New York, more women and their clinicians will have better information to make the right healthcare decisions at the cutting edge of laboratory science," said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "We are actively monitoring the situation and working very closely with the CDC and local health departments to protect New Yorkers from Zika virus."Because the symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually very mild, many people might not even realize they have been infected and typically recover without any issues. However, there have been reports of increased cases of a birth defect known as microcephaly that may be associated with Zika virus infection among pregnant women. DOH has received numerous inquiries from asymptomatic, pregnant women and their healthcare providers and has determined that this expansion of testing will provide pregnant women and their doctors with the valuable information they need to make the best healthcare decisions. Expanded testing will also give scientists a better understanding of the Zika virus, for which little data currently exists.Women who are pregnant and have traveled to a country where Zika is ongoing and their healthcare providers can learn how to access testing and gain additional information by calling the DOH information at: 1-888-364-4723. Additional information on Zika is availablehere on the DOH website. Contact the Governor's Press OfficeAlbany Press Office: 518.474.8418NYC Press Office: 212.681.4640Contact us by email:[email protected]
FEBRUARY 4, 2016 Albany, NYGovernor Cuomo Announces Additional State Actions to Combat and Address ZikaState expands free testing to include all pregnant women who have traveled to countries impacted by Zika VirusDOH Issues Health Advisory to Local Health Departments, Providers and Hospitals to Coordinate Zika ResponseGovernor Andrew M. Cuomo today directed the New York State Department of Health to expand the free Zika virus testing program for all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the infection is ongoing, regardless of whether they exhibit symptoms. Additionally, the Department of Health has issued a health advisory to local health departments, health care providers and hospitals to further coordinate Zika response efforts in New York State. “These actions will help us continue to ensure the safety of New Yorkers,” said Governor Cuomo. “We are in constant communication with the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and are taking proactive steps to raise public awareness, address any potential cases of Zika, and protect the public health. Anyone who visited countries impacted by this virus should consult with their health care professionals, and remain alert for possible symptoms.”These actions follow Monday’s announcement of free-testing for symptomatic individuals and an information line (1-888-364-4723) for the public and healthcare providers to learn more about the virus.The Wadsworth Center in Albany is already testing symptomatic New Yorkers who have recently traveled to affected areas but due to concerns regarding birth defects associated with Zika virus, DOH will expand testing to all symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant women with recent travel history. Additionally, the CDC is now recommending that pregnant women abstain from sex or utilize condoms for all sexual activities for the duration of their pregnancies if their male partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission. DOH has issued a Health Advisory to coordinate the statewide response to Zika virus. The advisory informs healthcare providers of the expansion of the free Zika testing, and also notifies hospitals and healthcare providers that they are required to report all potential cases to their local health department to ensure a coordinated response to the virus. The advisory also provides instructions on how to handle testing of patients, and establishes a Zika information line for use by providers to interpret test results and gain updated information on the virus. Hospitals and providers must contact their local health department prior to sending samples to Wadsworth. Furthermore, the advisory provides key information on the virus and state health department expertise to local healthcare partners. DOH will continue to coordinate with the CDC and provide real-time information to county health departments and local providers regarding treatment, testing, and prevention protocols to protect New Yorkers from this emerging public health threat.There have now been 11 positive cases of Zika virus infection among New York State residents. All of the infected patients are returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is ongoing. Free testing is being done by the Wadsworth Center - one of the premier state laboratories in the nation - and includes tests to detect the presence of the virus as well as screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies against Zika and other related viruses. DOH continues to work closely with the CDC to refine the lab testing algorithm for patients and Wadsworth is already testing blood and urine based on evidence that the virus may be detectable for longer periods of time in urine."As a result of this expanded testing being offered in New York, more women and their clinicians will have better information to make the right healthcare decisions at the cutting edge of laboratory science," said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. "We are actively monitoring the situation and working very closely with the CDC and local health departments to protect New Yorkers from Zika virus."Because the symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually very mild, many people might not even realize they have been infected and typically recover without any issues. However, there have been reports of increased cases of a birth defect known as microcephaly that may be associated with Zika virus infection among pregnant women. DOH has received numerous inquiries from asymptomatic, pregnant women and their healthcare providers and has determined that this expansion of testing will provide pregnant women and their doctors with the valuable information they need to make the best healthcare decisions. Expanded testing will also give scientists a better understanding of the Zika virus, for which little data currently exists.Women who are pregnant and have traveled to a country where Zika is ongoing and their healthcare providers can learn how to access testing and gain additional information by calling the DOH information at: 1-888-364-4723. Additional information on Zika is availablehere on the DOH website. Contact the Governor's Press OfficeAlbany Press Office: 518.474.8418NYC Press Office: 212.681.4640Contact us by email:[email protected]
niman Posted February 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 New York State to Offer Free Zika Testing for Pregnant TravelersGov. Andrew M. Cuomo on Thursday announced that New York State would offer free testing for all pregnant women who have traveled to a country affected by the Zika epidemic, regardless of whether they show symptoms.The new initiative is expected to significantly expand the number of blood tests being conducted in New York for the virus, raising issues about additional capacity as New York City’s lab rushes to develop the ability to conduct the test.In New York, hospitals and clinics are reporting that they are being told that the current wait time for lab results is between two and four weeks. At New York University Hospital, for example, none of the roughly 15 tests sent out have been returned. The city health department said Thursday that it generally received positive results in about seven days, but that the wait for an additional test that confirms the person is negative took longer.“Capacity is one of the challenges,” said Dr. Jay Varma, deputy commissioner of the New York City Department of Health. “Nobody ever planned for having capacity testing for the Zika virus, as it was considered relatively benign before this current outbreak.”On Monday, the governor had announced free testing for any New Yorkers who showed symptoms of the virus and who had recently traveled to an affected country.http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/05/nyregion/new-york-state-to-offer-free-zika-testing-for-pregnant-travelers.html?smid=tw-nytmetro&smtyp=cur Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niman Posted February 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 NY expands free Zika virus testing for pregnant women Mosquitoes transmit the Zika virus (Associated Press)PrintEmailBy James T. Mulder | [email protected] Follow on Twitter on February 04, 2016 at 1:29 PM, updated February 04, 2016 at 1:45 PM1share SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The state announced today it will provide free Zika virus testing to all pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the virus is spreading, even if they don't have any symptoms.The state's Wadsworth Center in Albany is already testing symptomatic New Yorkers who have recently traveled to affected areas, but decided to expand testing because of concerns about birth defects associated with Zika virus.A rapidly growing outbreak of Zika in the Caribbean islands and Latin American countries has been declared a public health emergency by the World Health Organization.The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to cases of microcephaly, in which babies are born with underdeveloped brains. There have been 4,000 cases of microcephaly reported in Brazil.The type of mosquitoes that transmit Zika are not found in Central New York.There have been 11 positive cases of Zika virus infection among New York State residents. One is a Monroe County resident and the rest live downstate. All of them traveled to countries where Zika virus is spreading.U.S. women who are pregnant are being advised to postpone travel to areas where the Zika virus is being transmitted. Those areas include Puerto Rico, Mexico and countries in the Carribean, Central American and South America.Additionally, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is now recommending that pregnant women abstain from sex or utilize condoms for all sexual activities for the duration of their pregnancies if their male partner has traveled to or lives in an area with active Zika virus transmission.Experts say the vast majority of Zika cases are transmitted by mosquitoes. There has been one reported case in Texas of the virus being sexually transmitted.Because the symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually very mild, many people might not even realize they have been infected and typically recover without any issues.Pregnant women who have traveled to a country where Zika is spreading can learn how to get tested by calling the state Health Department at 1-888-364-4723.Contact James T. Mulder anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-2245http://www.syracuse.com/health/index.ssf/2016/02/ny_expands_free_zika_virus_testing_for_pregnant_women.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
niman Posted February 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted February 4, 2016 Putnam County Health Department Issues a Zika Virus NoticeTravelers with Zika symptoms are eligible for free testing.Southeast-Brewster, NYBy LANNING TALIAFERRO (Patch Staff) - February 4, 2016 12:23 pm ET Putnam County residents who have traveled to areas where Zika virus infection is ongoing—and who have symptoms—can take advantage of free advanced testing by the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH).Testing is currently not available through commercial laboratories. Symtomatic residents can visit their personal healthcare provider who will work with the Putnam County Department of Health (PCDOH) to facilitate the proper testing procedure through the NYSDOH laboratory at Wadsworth Center. Wadsworth is one of only three state laboratories in the country equipped to perform the screening and confirmatory tests of Zika antibodies and other related viruses.“We urge any county resident who has traveled to one of the infected areas and has symptoms of Zika virus infection to visit their doctor promptly,” said County Executive MaryEllen Odell. “A New York State Department of Health Zika virus information line has also been established,” she added.The number is 1-888-364-4723.“Symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually mild,” explained Putnam County’s Interim Health Commissioner, Michael Nesheiwat, MD. “Fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, or red eyes, are common ones that usually begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The bigger problem appears to be a link to microcephaly, a birth defect that results from stunted brain development, so the infection is of utmost concern for pregnant women.”Symptoms can last from several days to one week. Severe infection requiring hospitalization is uncommon and fatalities are rare.To date local transmission of Zika infection has been identified in at least 14 countries and territories, including Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the Caribbean, and further spread in the region is considered likely. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will update their travel notices accordingly at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/noticesAll travelers to any of these areas should make prevention the highest priority. Wear long sleeves and pants, and use repellant products registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), carefully following the directions.Pregnant women or those trying to become pregnant should consider postponing travel to these regions.The mosquito that carries the Zika virus is an aggressive, daytime biting variety.Confirmed Zika virus infection cases have been identified in the continental U.S., including New York State. No local transmission by mosquitoes has occurred in this country, but education and surveillance efforts are being enhanced. Prior to 2015, outbreaks of the virus had occurred only in areas of Africa, Southeast Asian and the Pacific Islands. Last May the first confirmed cases were reported in Brazil.The Zika virus cannot be passed on through casual person-to-person contact. The CDC has confirmed a case in Texas of Zika virus infection through sexual transmission. The situation regarding Zika virus is changing rapidly as new information develops.Zika virus infection is transmitted by the same Aedes mosquito that carries dengue and chikungunya virus, which made headlines last year. This is a tropical mosquito that has trouble surviving in winter weather.The PCDOH and the NYSDOH plan to monitor mosquitos in the Hudson Valley when the warmer weather returns. Only one lone mosquito of this species has been detected in Putnam County since 1999 when surveillance began. Surveillance will continue, as well as enhanced testing of other species for Zika virus.Further information on Zika virus is available at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/diseaseshttp://patch.com/new-york/southeast/putnam-county-health-department-issues-zika-virus-notice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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