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Zika virus outbreak hits Yap
Health official: No cases reported in Guam
By David V. Crisostomo
Pacific Sunday News
Health official: No cases reported in Guam
By David V. Crisostomo
Pacific Sunday News
A mosquito-borne virus, which was first isolated in Africa and is similar to dengue, has found its way to Micronesia.
"An outbreak of illness on the island of Yap in the Federated States of Micronesia caused by the Zika virus has been confirmed," according to a World Health Organization statement made on behalf of Dr. Marcus Samo of the FSM national government and Dr. Martin Bel of Yap State.
There have been no cases reported on Guam, said Dr. Robert Haddock, the territorial epidemiologist with the Guam Department of Public Health and Social Services. However, public health officials are urging Guam residents to take necessary steps to avoid mosquito bites.
Symptoms of Zika fever include a skin rash that starts on the face and then spreads throughout the body, conjuctivitis, more commonly known as Pink Eye; and pain in the smaller joints of the hands and feet, according to WHO officials.
As of Friday, 73 patients who were processed by the outpatient department at Yap's public hospital exhibited at least two of the three symptoms of Zika fever.
Control measures similar to those for dengue are already being taken in Yap. Officials said quarantine measures are not necessary since this is a milder form of dengue.
Isolated in Uganda
Zika, named after the forest in Uganda where the virus was first isolated, is a flavivirus similar to the dengue virus. Zika causes similar but milder symptoms, according to WHO's Office for the South Pacific.
While commonly found in Africa, the Zika virus has also been found in Malaysia.
The outbreak in Yap reportedly started in April and peaked in late May. Zika fever symptoms are mild, according to WHO, and generally last for two to four days.While commonly found in Africa, the Zika virus has also been found in Malaysia.
"Some (Yap) patients also have low grade fever," according to the WHO statement. "No patients had to be admitted to the hospital and there have been no deaths. Because the disease is mild, many more infections are thought to have occurred in the community that did not seek medical attention. An initial assessment in the community indicates that a significant proportion of the population has been affected. Geographically, cases have occurred all over the island."
Public Health officials said a joint investigation is being carried out by the public health authorities of Yap State and the FSM national government, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and WHO.
"The investigation is continuing to better characterize the clinical presentation of the illness, the magnitude of the outbreak and the mode of transmission in order to determine the best control measures," the WHO statement said. "We continue to see new cases, and the neighboring islands are under active surveillance."
Guam residents cautioned
On Guam, Haddock said while there have been no cases of dengue or Zika fever on island, "it would be prudent for Guam residents to avoid mosquito bites as much as possible."
"Aedes mosquitoes, the mosquito group likely to spread viral diseases in our region, are usually most active in the early morning and late afternoon hours but they may be encountered any time during the day in shady areas or if they can gain access to homes," Haddock said.
Guam Public Health officials advise residents to use mosquito netting over beds.
"Use mosquito repellents and wear appropriate clothing such as long-sleeved shirts and long pants that reduce exposure to mosquito bites when venturing outdoors, especially during the late aftenoon or early morning hours," Guam officials said.
Mosquitos breed in containers -- such as discarded tin cans, coconut half-shells and old tires -- so residents should keep their homes free from such litter.
"Saucers under potted plants are another area where these mosquitos may breed so water should not be allowed to accumulate there for more than a few days," Guam health officials said.
