This article was contributed by San Benito County Public Health Services.
Here in California, the Zika virus remains a serious public health concern to people traveling to areas with Zika. Zika is a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito or through unprotected sex with an infected partner. Those who travel to areas where Zika is circulating are most at-risk of contracting the virus.
So far in California, Zika virus infections have only been documented in people who were infected while traveling to areas with ongoing Zika transmission, through sexual contact with an infected traveler, or through maternal-fetal transmission during pregnancy. At this time, there has been no known local transmission of Zika in California.
The mosquitoes that can carry the Zika virus (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus) have been detected in an increasing number of counties throughout California, including the California-Baja and California-border region (San Diego and Imperial Counties).
We recently released a PSA on the subject: you can view it here by visiting zikafreeca.com.
Here are a few things everyone needs to know about Zika:
Zika is mosquito-borne virus that can infect both men and women. Most concerning of all, the virus can have detrimental effects on a pregnant women’s developing baby. This is why it is up to all of us to stay vigilant.
There are three main ways to contract the virus: (1) from mosquitoes in affected areas, (2) through unprotected sex, and (3) from an infected mother to her developing baby.
First and foremost, the California Department of Public Health advises pregnant women not to go areas with Zika. As you make travel plans, you can find out where Zika is present by visiting the following site: https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-information.
If you or your partner must travel to an area with Zika, it is important to know that the virus is spread through sex and can persist in men for up to six months, and women for eight weeks. The only way to avoid getting the virus through sex is to abstain from sex entirely. Otherwise, safe sex with condom use should be practiced.
When traveling, be sure to use EPA-registered insect repellent consistently and correctly to protect against mosquito bites. Continue to use repellent for three weeks after you return to prevent the spread of Zika back home. See your doctor right away if you have been to an area with Zika and have Zika symptoms like fever, rash, red eyes, or joint pain.
Couples planning pregnancy when either has been exposed to the Zika virus should speak with their health care provider about a safe time to try to get pregnant.
For more information on Zika, please call San Benito County Public Health Services at (831) 637-5367 or go to San Benito Public Health Services website at http://hhsa.cosb.us/ or visit www.ZikafreeCA.com.