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North Carolina - Fifth case of Zika virus confirmed

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  • North Carolina - Fifth case of Zika virus confirmed

    First Travel-Related Case of Zika Virus Confirmed in North Carolina


    Feb 19, 2016

    Raleigh

    Today, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services announced the first case of Zika virus infection in a North Carolina resident. The case was confirmed in an adult person who has recently traveled to a country with ongoing Zika virus transmission. The patients’ symptoms have resolved. To protect patient confidentiality no additional details on this patient will be provided.

    As long as the outbreak continues in Central and South America and the Caribbean, we expect to see more travel-related Zika virus infections in our state," said Randall Williams, MD, State Health Director. "While travel-related cases don’t present a public health threat to North Carolina, we always actively monitor emerging global situations and adjust resources to meet needs.”

    At this time, no cases of the disease are known to have been acquired in North Carolina or elsewhere in the continental United States, with the exception of one infection in Texas attributed to sexual transmission. As of Feb. 18, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported travel-related Zika virus infections in 21 other states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

    “We have anticipated all along that travel-related cases would be identified in North Carolina,” said Megan Davies, MD, State Epidemiologist. “

    We want to take this opportunity to reinforce that travelers to any of the countries with active Zika transmission should follow precautions to minimize their exposure to mosquito bites.”

    Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infectious mosquito, although cases of transmission through sexual contact and blood transfusion have also been reported. Symptoms can include rash, red eyes, fever and joint pain. Only about one in five people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms.

    A pregnant woman infected with Zika virus can pass the virus to her unborn baby. A serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other adverse pregnancy outcomes have been reported in some infants born to mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. State health officials are in constant communication with local health departments to work with health providers, including obstetricians and gynecologists, to ensure they have the latest information, as well as access to guidance and testing.

    The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a travel advisory recommending pregnant women consider postponing travel to any area with active Zika virus transmission. Women who are trying to become pregnant should talk to their doctors about the risk of Zika virus infection before traveling.

    While the primary mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not believed to be widespread in North Carolina, individuals are always encouraged, as a routine precaution, to take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Travelers can protect themselves by:
    • Wearing insect repellent registered with the Environmental Protection Agency.
    • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
    • Using air conditioning or make sure window and door screens are in place.
    For more information about Zika virus for patients and health care providers, please visit:
    http://epi.publichealth.nc.gov/cd/diseases/zika.html(link is external) or www.cdc.gov/zika(link is external).

    https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-re...north-carolina








    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

  • #2
    First Case of Zika Found in Wake County

    by Stephen R. Walston on 3/3/2016 10:34 AM
    Category: Human Services; WakeGOV Home Page; ReadyWake

    Wake County Public Health officials confirm one county resident contracted the Zika virus disease while traveling abroad. This marks the first case of Zika detected in Wake County and the fifth case in the state of North Carolina.

    Upon returning to the United States, the patient exhibited symptoms associated with the Zika virus disease. A private physician tested the patient for the virus, and the test came back positive for Zika. Health care officials are now closely monitoring the patient.

    "We are in contact with the patient and monitoring the patient's progress," said Sue Lynn Ledford, Public Health Division director at Wake County. "We want to reassure citizens that there is currently no risk of transmission from this patient to others."

    The Wake County Public Health Division staff started preparing proactively several months ago for the possibility of Zika in the county. They keep in constant contact with state and federal partners to ensure they have the latest information about the virus. Staff also regularly share this insight with local physicians and educate them on the kinds of questions to ask patients to help detect any potential cases.

    According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are more than 100 cases of travel-associated Zika virus disease in the United States; however, there are zero cases of transmission by mosquitoes in the United States.

    One person in the United States also got Zika by having sex with an infected man. Men who have traveled to Zika-affected countries should not have sex, or they should use condoms every time they have sex for one month after returning.

    Zika is generally a mild illness, but children born to women who were infected with the Zika virus disease during pregnancy may have a higher chance of birth defects.

    Only one out of every five people infected with Zika virus disease will show symptoms. Zika's symptoms typically appear within two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Common symptoms include fever, red eyes, joint pains and rash. Other symptoms may include headache or muscle pain.

    Citizens are reminded that they can protect themselves from mosquito bites by:

    Reducing time spent outdoors.
    Wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts treated with permethrin insect repellent when spending time outdoors.
    Applying EPA-approved mosquito repellents to exposed skin. Follow product instructions.
    Using air conditioning instead of opening windows and doors. Only open windows and doors with screens on them.
    For additional information about Zika virus disease, visit the Wake County Public Health Division's mosquito prevention webpage or cdc.gov/zika.


    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

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