Ohio Department of Health reporting 4 cases of Zika virus in returning travelers

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 9, 2016
Contact: ODH Office of Communications (614) 644-8562
Cleveland Public Health Department (216) 664-7081

Ohio Reports First Zika Virus Case in Returning Traveler

Zika virus tabletop exercise planning underway

COLUMBUS ? The Ohio Department of Health is reporting Ohio?s first case of Zika virus in a returning
traveler from Haiti, a 30-year-old Cuyahoga County woman, city of Cleveland. The Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) was reporting 35 cases of Zika virus in 12 states and the District of
Columbia prior to Ohio?s case.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite, and there is no indication that it can spread
from person to person through casual contact. CDC has confirmed a U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a
non-traveler after the person?s sexual partner returned from an affected country and developed
symptoms.

Planning is underway for a Zika virus tabletop exercise to ensure Ohio?s preparedness at the local and
state levels prior to the 2016 mosquito season that runs from May to October.
...

http://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/news/Ohio First Zika Virus Case 2016.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 9, 2016
Contact: ODH Office of Communications (614) 309-7188

Ohio Reports First Zika Virus Case in Returning Traveler

Zika virus tabletop exercise planning underway

UPDATE (5:30 p.m.)

Late today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notified ODH of a second Ohio case of Zika
virus in a returning traveler from Haiti, a 21-year-old Stark County man. The two cases are not linked.
?Given the number of travelers between Ohio and Zika virus-affected countries, it would not be a surprise
to see more cases,? said ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio. ?There is no vaccine available for Zika
virus so it?s important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito bites.?

...
http://www.starkhealth.org/pdfs/Zika/Second Ohio Zika Case_020916.pdf

 

[Pathfinder]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 12, 2016
Contact: ODH Communications (614) 309-7188

Ohio Reports Two New Zika Virus Cases in Returning Travelers

COLUMBUS ? The Ohio Department of Health (ODH) is reporting the state?s third and fourth cases of
Zika virus in returning travelers ? a 56-year-old Butler County woman returning from Guyana, and a 60-
year-old Licking County man returning from Haiti. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
has reported 52 travel-associated cases of Zika virus in 16 states and the District of Columbia prior to
Ohio?s new cases, an increase from 35 cases in 12 states since Tuesday.

Zika virus is primarily transmitted through a mosquito bite, and there is no indication that it can spread
from person to person through casual contact. CDC has confirmed a U.S. case of Zika virus infection in a
non-traveler after the person?s sexual partner returned from an affected country and developed
symptoms. Due to the possible association between Zika virus infections in pregnant women and certain
birth defects, CDC recommends that pregnant women and women trying to get pregnant consider
postponing travel to areas with Zika virus transmission.
?
Given the number of travelers between Ohio and Zika virus-affected countries, it would not be a
surprise to see more cases,? said ODH Medical Director Dr. Mary DiOrio. ?There is no vaccine available
for Zika virus so it?s important for Ohioans traveling to affected areas to take steps to prevent mosquito
bites.?

Of people infected with the Zika virus, 80 percent do not have any symptoms. When symptoms occur,
they are often mild, lasting from several days to a week, and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain,
conjunctivitis (red eyes), and headache. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
Go to the ODH website at http://www.odh.ohio.gov/zika for more information about Zika virus and links
to CDC resources including travel advisories for countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

https://www.odh.ohio.gov/~/media/ODH/ASSETS/Files/news/Two New Ohio Zika Cases 2016.pdf