Medical Moment: Zika Virus, Part 1

21 Feb Medical Moment: Zika Virus, Part 1

Telluride Inside… and Out is proud to feature the Telluride Medical Center’s MEDICAL MOMENT, a weekly column that answers common medical questions in pop culture. 

Car. Heather Linder

Dr. Heather Linder answers this week’s question: What should I know about the Zika virus? (This is part one of a two-part series.)

The Zika virus is a flavivirus related to dengue and yellow fever that is primarily transmitted by the Aedes mosquito. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) currently advise against travel to countries experiencing Zika outbreaks, especially pregnant women. Countries in South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean have been effected by the virus.

For an up to date list of effected countries, visit the CDC website. 

The Zika virus is diagnosed by a blood test through the CDC. Four out of five people infected with the Zika virus do not experience symptoms. Symptoms are usually mild and may last from a few days to a week and include – fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and headache. For those that do experience symptoms rest, fluids, and acetaminophen are recommended.

However, it has been found that the virus can be spread from pregnant women to the fetus and may cause devastating birth defects, including microcephaly (small head) and brain damage. The CDC strongly recommends that pregnant women avoid travel to areas with Zika virus outbreaks.

Additionally, sexual transmission of Zika may occur.  Zika virus has been found to replicate in semen of infected men for two to ten weeks or more. According to the latest CDC guidelines, “men who reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission and who have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or use condoms during sex for the duration of the pregnancy.”

As there is no vaccine for the Zika virus, the following precautions are recommended for those travelling to effected countries to avoid being bitten by mosquitos – wear long sleeves and pants, stay in places with air conditioning, use mosquito bed nets, apply mosquito repellent, and use clothing treated with permethrin.

Most airlines and travel companies are refunding or rebooking tickets for pregnant travelers and their families who were planning to travel to areas currently effected by the Zika virus.

***Telluride Medical Center Quickfacts 2016 -For a brief update on the current state of the Telluride Medical Center, growth figures for 2015, plans for a new facility in Mountain Village, as well as the funding strategy for the new facility, click here.

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