zika virus edited
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Government of Nova Scotia 7891 Barrington St. Halifax, NS B1T 4R7 February 2, 2016 For Immediate Release WHAT NOVA SCOTIAN TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ZIKA VIRUS Halifax, NS – Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Public Health Officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness is advising individuals travelling to Latin America to take precaution and protect themselves against a strain of mosquito known to carry a virus identified as the Zika virus. The most common symptoms of virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild and symptoms last anywhere from several days to a week. The virus is not contagious and hospitalization is very uncommon. “The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is suspected of causing brain damage to babies in Brazil, is not expected to make its way to Canada due to Canadian weather,” said Dr. Strang. The Zika virus has been directly linked to a rare birth defect known as microcephaly, where babies are born with smaller heads. This defect and other poor pregnancy outcomes have been detected in babies of mothers who were infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. Woman who are pregnant are strongly encouraged to postpone travel to any area where the Zika virus is located, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Venezuela. Pregnant women who must travel should talk to their doctors and follow strict guidelines as to how avoid mosquito bites during travel. There is no treatment for the Zika virus and there has not been a vaccine discovered to prevent the virus to date. Travelers can only take precautions when traveling to countries affected by the virus. Individuals traveling should cover skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellents containing DEET, and stay in screen- in or air-conditioned rooms. For a full prevention list visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html .
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Transcript of zika virus edited
Government of Nova Scotia7891 Barrington St.Halifax, NSB1T 4R7
February 2, 2016 For Immediate Release
WHAT NOVA SCOTIAN TRAVELERS NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE ZIKA VIRUS
Halifax, NS – Dr. Robert Strang, Chief Public Health Officer with the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness is advising individuals travelling to Latin America to take precaution and protect themselves against a strain of mosquito known to carry a virus identified as the Zika virus.
The most common symptoms of virus are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild and symptoms last anywhere from several days to a week. The virus is not contagious and hospitalization is very uncommon.
“The mosquito-borne Zika virus, which is suspected of causing brain damage to babies in Brazil, is not expected to make its way to Canada due to Canadian weather,” said Dr. Strang.
The Zika virus has been directly linked to a rare birth defect known as microcephaly, where babies are born with smaller heads. This defect and other poor pregnancy outcomes have been detected in babies of mothers who were infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. Woman who are pregnant are strongly encouraged to postpone travel to any area where the Zika virus is located, such as Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Guyana, and Venezuela. Pregnant women who must travel should talk to their doctors and follow strict guidelines as to how avoid mosquito bites during travel.
There is no treatment for the Zika virus and there has not been a vaccine discovered to prevent the virus to date. Travelers can only take precautions when traveling to countries affected by the virus. Individuals traveling should cover skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, use insect repellents containing DEET, and stay in screen-in or air-conditioned rooms. For a full prevention list visit http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html.
Any individuals who have traveled to or from areas affected by the Zika virus who are showing any symptoms are asked to visit a doctor, get lots of rest and drink plenty of fluids.
The Department of Health and Wellness supports programs and services that protect and promote health, and treat illness for Nova Scotians and their families.
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Media Contact:
Shana LawrencePublic Relations [email protected]
