Zika Confirmed In Utah Child Traveler

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Utah public health officials have received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a Utah resident has tested positive for the Zika virus. The patient, a child between the ages of two and 10 years, recently traveled to an affected country before returning to Utah. The child exhibited symptoms, including the typical rash, and has not experienced any complications.

http://udohnews.blogspot.com/2016/03/first-case-of-zika-virus-disease.html

 

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Tuesday, March 1, 2016

First Case of Zika Virus Disease Reported in Utah

 

(Salt Lake City) – Utah public health officials have received confirmation from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) that a Utah resident has tested positive for the Zika virus. The patient, a child between the ages of two and 10 years, recently traveled to an affected country before returning to Utah. The child exhibited symptoms, including the typical rash, and has not experienced any complications.

“It isn’t surprising that Utah has an imported case of Zika virus since so many of our residents travel to and from areas where the disease is currently being transmitted,” said Dr. Allyn Nakashima, State Epidemiologist with the Utah Department of Health (UDOH). She adds, “Zika virus, with the possible link to the birth defect microcephaly, is understandably frightening.” Since there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, and no specific medical treatment for those who are infected, the UDOH urges all who may be considering travel to the growing number of affected countries to take the necessary precautions to avoid mosquito bites. 

Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The mosquito that is spreading the virus in the affected countries isn't currently found in Utah. Visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html for the most current list of countries affected by Zika virus. Sexual transmission of Zika virus can occur, although there is limited data about the risk. The virus generally only causes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes, and is almost always a very mild illness. Most people won’t require testing. Approximately 80 percent of those infected never show any symptoms of the disease, while approximately 20 percent will have only mild symptoms. 

Public health officials encourage pregnant women to postpone traveling to affected areas, if possible, or talk to their health care provider before considering travel. For anyone who does plan to visit the affected countries, prevention is the best approach to avoiding Zika virus infection. Steps to prevent mosquito bites include using insect repellents containing DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and removing standing water where mosquitoes live and breed. 

The UDOH and CDC are monitoring the situation closely.

For more information on Zika virus and how to protect yourself, visit www.cdc.gov/zika. For women who are pregnant and have questions about Zika virus, please call the MotherToBaby program at 1-800-822-2229, text 855-999-3525, or chat live or emailwww.MotherToBaby.org.

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Media Contact
Becky Ward, UDOH
(o) 801-538-6682
(c) 801-352-1270

 

Posted by Utah Department of Health - News at 9:30 AM 

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Map updated

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(KUTV) The first reported case of the mosquito-borne illness, Zika Virus, has been confirmed in Utah. The state health department says a young boy was infected while visiting an affected country with his family.

Health experts familiar with the case say the boy is making a full recovery with no treatment and they say there is no risk of him passing the illness to others.

"It is a child between the ages of two and ten years old," said Dallin Peterson, an epidemiologist for the Utah Department of Health. "He came back to Utah with symptoms of a rash and that's why we decided to get him tested."

Officials would not disclose which country the family had visited, but confirmed it is a location on the Zika Virus advisory list by the US Centers for Disease Control.

"Symptoms usually last seven days," said Peterson. "We followed up with the physician and there are no complications."

The Department of Health has said the virus is present in the Aedes-type mosquito, which does not exist in dry, elevated climates such as Utah.

 

 

"We do not have the Aedes mosquito here in Utah and haven't seen it in many years," said Peterson.

Health experts suggest pregnant women, or those hoping to become pregnant, reconsider travel plans to affected countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean. Concerned travelers can view affected countries here.

"The biggest risk is for the fetus itself. Having microcephaly and some different birth defects," said Peterson, who also warns that some studies suggest the virus can be passed from an infected male, during unprotected sex.

On the heels of Utah experiencing it's first reported case, Congressman Chris Stewart is trying to address concerns on a federal level.

"Experts fear that the virus will spread more widely to the United States, especially with the Rio Olympic games on the horizon," said Stewart. "I've introduced a bill to ensure that the appropriate federal agencies have the resources they need to research and combat the Zika Virus."

Steward has introduced the Zika Response and Safety Act, which would use funding that was initially designated to fight Ebola.

Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent Zika Virus and no specific treatment for those infected.

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http://kutv.com/news/local/no-risk-of-utah-boy-infected-with-zika-spreading-virus-officials-say

 

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Map Update

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