What to know about the Zika virus Published Aug. 10, 2016 By Jamie Vega-Hernandez 377th Medical Group The Zika virus has found a new home in the continental United States. First identified in subtropical Africa in 1947, Zika first appeared in South America in May 2015 and then spread north through Central America and Mexico. In the continental U.S., Zika cases associated with travel to these areas have been identified since the spring, but in July 2016 the first non-travel related cases of Zika were identified in a small area in South Florida. The Department of Health and Human Services, with its Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, is leading the U.S. response to the worldwide Zika outbreak with support from multiple other U.S. federal departments and agencies including Department of Defense. Air Force public health is working closely with base installations in areas within range of Aedes mosquitoes to monitor and actively control mosquito spread. The Air Force has the capability to test Aedes mosquitoes collected during surveillance for the presence of Zika virus. According to Florida public health officials, as of August 9 21 non-travel related Zika cases have been identified. As they investigate this small outbreak, more cases likely will be found. Therefore, now more than ever, it is important for the public, the military and healthcare providers to learn about Zika, including exposure, symptoms, diagnosis, adverse effects, and most importantly, prevention. The major concern with Zika is the link between the virus and congenital birth defects such as microcephaly (a birth defect of the brain), as well as miscarriage and other poor birth outcomes. Because of this link, pregnant and reproductive age women should be particularly vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid exposure. Although Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito, theCDC indicates that transmission can also occur through sexual contact and blood transfusions. There are no reports of infants becoming infected through breastfeeding. To prevent Zika exposure, pregnant and reproductive age women should follow these current CDC recommendations: -- Pregnant women should NOT travel to areas with active Zika transmission, including the Wynwood neighborhood in Miami, where the non-travel related cases have occurred. -- If there is a concern of a travel or sexual exposure, in order to minimize risk, wait at least 8 weeks after the exposure before trying to get pregnant. -- If a male sex partner has been exposed or has symptoms of Zika infection, wait at least 6 months after the symptoms began to have unprotected sex. -- If pregnant and partner has potential Zika exposure , use condoms consistently and correctly for the duration of the pregnancy or do not have sex for the duration of the pregnancy. Considering the recent non-travel related Zika cases in Florida, we must all do our part to prevent Zika exposure on this military installation. Protect yourself at home by reducing and eliminating mosquito-breeding habitats. This is easily done by routinely emptying and/or replacing standing water in pet dishes, bird baths and planters and ensuring rain gutters drain properly. Protect yourself and your family by limiting or reducing travel to areas with active Zika transmission, using insect repellant to prevent mosquito bites, and, if potentially exposed to Zika, using a condom during sex to avoid transmitting Zika to others. In New Mexico, the two mosquito species that can transmit Zika have been found in southeastern New Mexico; however, none of the mosquitoes captured and tested by the New Mexico Department of Health have been identified as Zika carriers. As of August 3, 2016, four cases of Zika infection have been identified in New Mexico - all among persons who recently returned from areas with active Zika transmission. While the risk of Zika exposure in New Mexico is very low, it is important to stay informed about Zika and to take the following preventive measures: -- Use an EPA-approved insect repellant, such as DEET or Picaridin. -- Wear long sleeves and long pants to cover your skin when outdoors. -- Keep mosquitoes out of your home by securing door and window screens and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes breed. If you live in, plan to travel to, or have returned from an area with Zika, contact MTF public health, your healthcare provider, or the travel health clinic to learn how to protect yourself and your family. Additional information is available at www.cdc.gov/zika, www.health.mil/zika, and the DoD Zika Hotline (800-984-8523; DSN 421-3700). For more information about Zika locally, please access the New Mexico Department of Health website at https://nmhealth.org/about/erd/ideb/zpd/zika. For international data and a map charting Zika-endemic areas, please access the CDC website at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/. For any assistance or questions about this article, please contact KAFB Public Health at 846-6507.