FORT BELVOIR, Va. –
Headlines from major news channels have predicted millions of cases and warned of a widespread disease known as the Zika virus. As a result of the headlines, major U.S. airlines have offered refunds to passengers who choose not to go to areas affected by the Zika virus. But due to the potential outbreak, what do U.S. Service members and their families need to know and do in the face of this danger?
The Zika virus was first discovered in Uganda in 1947 before it spread to Brazil in early 2015. By Jan. 27, 2016, the virus was in 22 countries in the Americas. People who contracted the Zika infection overseas have been found in Texas, Arkansas, Hawaii and Virginia, but there has been no transmission in the United States.
Bites from certain types of mosquitoes found in the southeastern United States transmit the virus, however, dropping temperatures decrease virus transmission and freezing temperatures kill the mosquitoes.
Eighty percent of patients with the Zika virus never develop symptoms, with twenty percent developing fever, rash, muscle aches and joint pain lasting about one week. More serious complications are very rare and many fear that the Zika infection might be associated with birth defects.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention it is recommended that pregnant women consider postponing trips to countries where the Zika virus is being locally transmitted, such as Central America and northern and central South America.
Treatment for the Zika virus includes controlling pain and fever, good fluid intake and rest. Other medications including antibiotics are not effective and there is no vaccine.
People can reduce their chance of becoming infected with good mosquito protection:
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
· Stay in places with air conditioning or use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
· Use Environmental Protection Agency registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness.
· Always follow the product label instructions.
· Re-apply insect repellent every few hours.
· Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
· If using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
· Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
· Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
· Do not apply insect repellent onto a child's hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
· Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child's face.
· Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
· Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
· If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
· Do not use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.
· Sleep under a mosquito bed net if overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
The recent outbreak of the Zika virus is a genuine concern. However, by taking a few simple precautions, Soldiers and families can protect themselves.
For more information on Zika, visit
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/disease-qa.html.