Daily Brief: 2017.2.10
THREAT ANALYSIS
New Zika Related Studies
Several new studies have provided further insight into the risk and spread of the Zika virus. A case study, published in the International Journal of Infectious Diseases, found that transmission by breast milk is still questionable, and it might be less efficient than human-to-human transmission by other body fluids. Another study, conducted by researchers from the University of Wisconsin, concluded that though there is a risk of infection by the mucosal route, the risk of exposure from people with typical infections is low.
(Sources: CIDRAP, International Journal of Infectious Disease, BioRxiv)
Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. However, the virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse. Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. Other symptoms may include muscle pain and headaches.
(Sources: CDC, WHO)
In the United States, there have been 4,781 travel related cases as well as 220 locally acquired cases reported. In Indiana, 52 cases have been reported, all of which were travel related. Florida (214) and Texas (6) are still the only states to report locally acquired cases. US territories have reported a total of 36,638 cases of the virus.
(Sources: CDC)
ACTION STEPS
- If you are planning on vacationing, please review the CDC’s Zika Travel Notice page.
- If you are planning on traveling to an area that is known for Zika transmission, Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
- Even if you do not feel sick, travelers returning to the United States from an area with Zika should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks so they do not spread Zika to mosquitoes that could spread the virus to other people.
(Sources: CDC)