Editor’s note: This is what we know as of May 19, 2016. We will provide updated information as it is discovered.
Keep updated with Zika cases
Relatively unknown until recently, Zika virus has been making headlines following outbreaks in the Americas, Pacific Islands and Africa.
It has been linked to serious illness and birth defects.
The virus has been detected in one Wisconsin resident who recently traveled to Honduras where mosquitoes that carry Zika are present. International travelers should be aware of the illness and watch for more information about Zika, said Dr. Matthew Hall, a Marshfield Clinic infectious disease specialist.
Here’s what you need to know about Zika virus.
1. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness
Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes and is related to West Nile virus, yellow fever and dengue.
Rarely, the virus is passed from mother to child and between sexual partners. Dallas County Health and Human Services on Tuesday reported the first U.S. case of sexually-transmitted Zika virus.
Symptoms of Zika virus infection include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle aches, headache and red eyes. Symptoms, if they occur at all, usually are mild and last a few days to a week.
There is no vaccine for the virus and no cure.
2. It’s not dangerous for most people, but…
“Zika virus wasn’t widely reported until about a year and a half ago because 80 percent of people infected have mild or no symptoms,” Hall said.
The virus recently gained attention when it was linked to two rare but severe conditions – Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly.
Guillain-Barre syndrome is a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system (the part of the nervous system outside the brain and spinal cord), resulting in weakness or paralysis to the legs and arms.
Microcephaly is a condition present at birth in which the baby’s head is smaller than normal. Most babies with microcephaly also have smaller-than-normal brains and developmental problems.
Experts strongly suspect Zika virus causes microcephaly, but the connection hasn’t been scientifically proven, according to the World Health Organization.
3. Mosquitoes that transmit Zika aren’t present in Wisconsin
The species of mosquito that transmits the virus hasn’t been found in the state, according to the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, but the Zika virus infection has been found in one Wisconsin traveler.
If Zika virus spreads similarly to West Nile virus, it won’t affect a lot of people in Wisconsin, Hall said. The virus might be more of a concern to people who live in southern states.
4. Take travel precautions
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a Level 2 alert for travelers to areas with Zika outbreaks advising them to practice enhanced precautions. Pregnant women are asked to consider postponing travel to these areas.
Hall and the CDC recommend the following to protect travelers from mosquitoes:
- Insect repellant with DEET
- Clothing and gear pre-treated with the pesticide permethrin
- Long sleeves and long pants
- Mosquito netting
- Sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms
These precautions are recommended any time you travel to an area known to have mosquito-borne illness. A pre-travel health screening is recommended for most overseas trips.
“People should continue to look for more information,” Hall said. “Travel warnings and what we know about the virus will change in the weeks and months to come.”
Hello, I have a question, My son who is 20 his girlfriend 21 3 friends and myself went to Punta Canna Dominic Republic on January 3-10th 2016. While there we did a excursion where we all received lots of mosquito bites. I am worried for my son and girl friend who have not had children yet. Is there any kind of test out there for them to get to see if they have contracted the Zika virus?
Karen – At this time, there is not a widely available test for the Zika virus. "To detect Zika, a blood or tissue sample from the first week in the infection must be sent to an advanced laboratory so the virus can be detected through sophisticated molecular testing.” Source: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?_r=0
-Kirstie
My son is traveling to Iceland in June; should I be concerned?
Pam – At this time, Zika has not been found in Iceland. Please follow the CDC's updates: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html You and your son might also be interested in this blog article highlighting how to stay healthy when traveling abroad: https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/kids-health/stay-healthy-abroad/ -Kirstie
My daughter recently traveled to Ecuador and has been home a little less than a month and has had a fever, red irritated eyes, muscle aches, and general tiredness. She received the necessary vaccines but is there a test for this virus? Does she need to be concerned about her future and having children?
Staci – Please note, the Zika virus is present in Ecuador: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html
We cannot give individualized health advice on the blog and recommend you discuss specific concerns with a doctor: https://www.marshfieldclinic.org/Doctors
At this time, there is not a widely available test for Zika infection. "To detect Zika, a blood or tissue sample from the first week in the infection must be sent to an advanced laboratory so the virus can be detected through sophisticated molecular testing.” Source: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2016/health/what-is-zika-virus.html?_r=0
-Kirstie
How about Bankock Thialand
Debra – The CDC does not list Thailand as an area with Zika right now: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html Other reports show the virus has been found there, but likely from people who have traveled elsewhere, and they do not predict an outbreak at this time. We will keep you updated as new information is released. -Kirstie
Any concerns of individuals pregnant and not going to Nuevo Vallarta in April?
Laurie, the Zika virus has been found in Mexico. You can see all affected areas here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html At this time, the primary concern group are women of reproductive age who are or might become pregnant. For any travel, everyone should consider the CDC's precautions: insect repellant with DEET; clothing pre-treated with the pesticide permethrin; long sleeves and pants when possible; mosquito netting; and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms if you can. I hope this helps and safe travels. -Kirstie
My daughter is getting married in Jamaca next January. I'm so concerned. Am I overreacting?
Ron – Jamaica is listed on the CDC's "Areas with Zika" page. http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html For any travel, follow their suggested precautions. There is no saying what the CDC will find by next January, but we will do our best to provide updated information as it is discovered. -Kirstie
We have a daughter traveling to Australia in May. Any reports or concerns?
Debbie – Please refer to the CDC's "Areas with Zika" page — as of today, Australia is not listed. http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html
There have been two confirmed cases, but they came from travelers returning to Sydney and do not pose a serious threat to Australia. Source: http://www.smh.com.au/national/health/zika-virus-likely-to-be-in-australia-public-health-researchers-warn-after-who-emergency-declaration-20160202-gmjhg4.html
You and your daughter will likely find this "How to stay healthy when traveling abroad" post helpful: https://shine365.marshfieldclinic.org/kids-health/stay-healthy-abroad/. -Kirstie
What about traveling to Mexico next month?
Sue – The CDC does list Mexico as an area with Zika virus. There are also reports showing the virus reached Mexico in November 2015. For any travel, the CDC suggests various precautions (also listed in this blog post). Pay close attention to those precautions. Sources: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html and http://www.cbsnews.com/news/zika-virus-what-you-need-to-know/ -Kirstie
My son and family with 3 preschool children are going to Costa Rica in midmarch for 2 weeks. Their youngest child is 7 months and her mother is 67. Any special precautions?
Sue – We can't give individualized medical advice on this forum, so you should discuss specific questions with your provider.
Dr. Hall also said the most up-to-date general information can be found on the CDC's website. Note their travel precautions and follow accordingly. At this time, the primary concern group are women of reproductive age who are or might become pregnant. Safe travels, -Kirstie
Taveling to Puerto Rico in march….any reports from there?
Hi, Terry. In this news report from Monday, Feb. 1, there were 19 confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Puerto Rico. http://www.cnbc.com/2016/02/01/zika-as-if-puerto-rico-didnt-have-enough-to-worry-about.html The CDC also includes Puerto Rico in their list of areas with Zika: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html
Travel precautions to consider: insect repellant with DEET; clothing pre-treated with the pesticide permethrin; long sleeves and pants when possible; mosquito netting; and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms if you can. We wish you safe travels. -Kirstie