KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- The Zika virus has been, and continues to be, a somewhat steady topic of conversation in the news. While it’s important to note the Center for Disease Control reports there have only been a few Zika cases in Mississippi, the current hurricane season means lots of rain – and rain means standing water, which can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.
With that, the 81st Aerospace Medicine Squadron Public Health Flight has put together some tips and information to help keep you safe, healthy and informed.
-What is the Zika virus and what are its symptoms?
-Discovered in 1947, the virus is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda. It spreads to people mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito. Its symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and headaches, though not everyone infected will show these signs. Symptoms can last anywhere from several days to a week.
-How can it spread?
-In addition to mosquito bites, Zika can also be transmitted via blood transfusions, between sex partners and to the fetus of an infected mother during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
-Fever and headaches don’t seem too bad; why is the virus risky?
-If the Zika virus is present during a pregnancy, it can affect fetuses in several ways. Birth defects like microcephaly, a brain defect, hearing deficits, eye defects and impaired growth have been present in infants infected with Zika before birth. There have also been reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon nervous system sickness.
-Okay, so how is Zika diagnosed and how can it be prevented?
-The virus is typically diagnosed based on a person’s recent travel history and combined with the symptoms listed above and sometimes a blood or urine test. For preventative steps, ensure standing water on your property is eliminated – spare tires, tarps and unused pools collect stagnant water. Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when working outside and use Environmental Protection Agency-approved insect repellents. DO NOT use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old. DO NOT use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old. As an effective alternative, hang mosquito netting over carriers, strollers and bedding. To prevent sexual transmission of the Zika virus, use condoms or practice abstinence.
-What’s Keesler doing about the Zika virus?
-The Public Health Office traps for mosquitoes weekly and sends them to the U.S. Air Force’s School of Aerospace Medicine’s entomologist. According to Maj. Mitzi Elliott, Public Health flight commander, to date there have been zero cases of infected mosquitoes on base.
For more information on the Zika virus, visit www.health.mil/zika.