17th MDG monitors Zika virus
GOODFELLOW AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- The 17th Medical Group Public Health office actively monitors for the Zika virus in the local area. Specifically, mosquito traps are set on base three times a week, whereas traps are set off base once a week, from April to October. Any female mosquitoes caught are sent to the School of Aerospace Medicine laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and tested for a variety of diseases, such as West Nile, Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika virus, among others. Afterwards, the Public Health office receives a report from the lab indicating the mosquito species and any positive test results for diseases. These reports are shared internally and with the City of San Angelo Health Department as they do not perform any active mosquito trapping.
Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus and is spread primarily through the bite of an infected female Aedes mosquito. The Aedes species is found throughout southern United States, including Texas. Other ways Zika is transmitted is from a pregnant mother to her fetus, sexual contact and blood transfusion. However, the risk of being infected by Zika virus in this area is low. Lt. Col. James Kopp, Goodfellow flight surgeon and Public Health emergency officer, stated that the “Zika virus is unlikely to be a local public health hazard. It is possible it may be a health problem for certain individuals; travelers, sex partners of Zika-infected individuals or pregnant women, but is unlikely to affect the community as a whole."
Only 20 percent of individuals with Zika virus experience symptoms, which are generally mild and include fever, rash, joint and muscle pain, headache and conjunctivitis. Currently, there is no vaccine or medicine to treat Zika and treatment is similar to that of the cold. If you are experiencing these symptoms and traveled to a country with active Zika transmission, see your medical provider immediately.
Recent reports have shown a correlation between Zika virus and microcephaly in pregnant women as well as Guillen Barr syndrome. Although little is known as to the extent of the correlation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends females that are pregnant or seeking to become pregnant avoid travel to countries with active transmission, including countries in Central and South America, Mexico, Caribbean and Pacific Islands. For a specific country list and more information on the Zika virus, visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/zika.
Although the threat level is low in this area, the Public Health office encourages individuals to practice good mosquito prevention by wearing long-sleeved shirts or pants if they are outdoors and applying EPA-registered insect repellent on exposed skin. Also, if outdoors for extended periods of time for activities such as camping, hunting or hiking, consider pre-treating clothing with permethrin or purchasing permethrin-treated items. Remember to follow the product label for instructions and warnings.
Lastly, keep lawns mowed and look for any areas or objects around homes that may hold water and empty it out. One cap on a standard 20-ounce bottle of water can hold 20 mosquito larvae. Following these simple steps can significantly reduce exposure and help keep individuals and their families safe this summer.
Visit links below for the latest information regarding Zika virus:
http://www.cdc.gov/zika/
http://health.mil/zika
http://www.texaszika.org/