Dallas County Health and Human Services (DCHHS) has
received confirmation from the Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention (CDC) of the first Zika virus
case acquired through sexual transmission in Dallas
County in 2016.
The patient was infected with the virus after having
sexual contact with an ill individual who returned
from a country where Zika virus is present.
For medical confidentiality and personal privacy
reasons, DCHHS does not provide additional
identifying information.
Now that we know Zika virus can be transmitted
through sex, this increases our awareness campaign
in educating the public about protecting themselves
and others, said Zachary Thompson, DCHHS director.
Next to abstinence, condoms are the best prevention
method against any sexually -transmitted
infections.
Zika virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes
and through sexual activity.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever,
rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting
several days to a week.
DCHHS advises individuals with symptoms to see a
healthcare provider if they have visited an area
where Zika virus is present or had sexual contact
with a person who traveled to an area where Zika
virus is present.
There is no specific medication available to treat
Zika virus and there is not a vaccine.
The best way to avoid Zika virus is to avoid
mosquito bites and to avoid sexual contact with a
person who has Zika virus.
Education and awareness is crucial in preventing
Zika virus, said Dr. Christopher Perkins, DCHHS
medical director/health authority.
Patients are highly encouraged to follow prevention
recommendations to avoid transmitting and spreading
Zika virus.
DCHHS recommends the following to avoid Zika virus:
Use the 4Ds to reduce the chance of being bitten
by a mosquito:
DEET
All Day, Every Day:
Whenever youre outside, use insect repellents that
contain DEET or other EPA approved repellents and
follow instructions.
DRESS:
Wear long, loose, and light colored clothing
outside.
DRAIN:
Remove all standing water in and around your home.
DUSK & DAWN:
Limit outdoor activities during dusk and dawn hours
when mosquitoes are most active.
Travelers can protect themselves by doing the
following:
Choose a hotel or lodging with air
conditioning or screens on windows or doors.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are
outside or in a room that is not well-screened
Sexual partners can protect each other by using
condoms to prevent spreading
sexually-transmitted infections.
There are currently no reports of Zika virus being
locally-transmitted by mosquitoes in Dallas County.
However, imported cases make local spread by
mosquitoes possible because the mosquitoes that can
transmit the virus are found locally.
DCHHS advises recent travelers with Zika virus
symptoms as well as individuals diagnosed with Zika
virus protect themselves from further mosquito
bites.
For more information
Dallas County Health and Human Services
Link...
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