How the Zika virus could affect Central Oregonians
The Zika virus continues to spread, and it’s spreading in new ways.
The spread of the mosquito-borne virus is now a global health emergency. It’s now said to be spread in ways other than mosquito bites.
On Tuesday, health officials in Texas said they have identified a case of Zika virus transmitted through sexual contact.
Fortunately, Deschutes County health officials say Oregonians face minimal risks, as long as they do not travel to heavily infected areas in Central and South America.
“In this case, as we understand it, someone had just gotten sick with Zika. and that individual’s sexual partner then developed Zika without a travel history. The CDC laboratory confirmed that both individuals do have recent Zika infection,” said Dr. Tom Frieden of the Centers for Disease Control.
Deschutes County health officials said Tuesday they encourage travelers to practice safe sex or abstain after returning from an area where the virus has hit.
“They have found that during the first week of infection, the virus is found in the bloodstream, and it’s looking like it can be in the semen for up to two weeks,” said Heather Kaisner of Deschutes County Health Services.
While most infected people won’t have major symptoms, experts are concerned about a link between Zika and the rise in brain damage and birth defects among babies.
While the virus is not new, recent cases have been growing at an alarming rate. Over the past two years, three Oregonians have been infected with the disease. Today, there are no new confirmed cases from the recent outbreak.
Fortunately for Oregonians, the type of mosquito that transmits the Zika virus is not found in Oregon. The virus-carrying mosquito is found in some parts of the U.S., but in more tropical climates like Texas and Florida. Regardless,
Still, Kaisner said it’s smart to stay away from mosquitoes if possible.
“We always try to encourage people to watch themselves and protect themselves from mosquito bites because as you know mosquitoes carry lots of different things,” she said.
Long sleeves and mosquito repellent are advised, especially when traveling in an area where the virus is present.
The CDC has issued travel alerts for pregnant women in 28 countries where virus carrying mosquitoes are present. For an updated list of countries to avoid, visit http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information
