Preventing mosquito bites is the best way to protect yourself from the Zika virus. There are . If you are in a mosquito infested area wear long sleeves and long pants. Make sure there is no standing water around your home anywhere as this is a breeding ground for mosquitoes. The US has many areas where the type of mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are active. These mosquitoes will bite any time of day or night and are aggressive biters. If mosquitoes are active stay indoors or behind screens.
Zika is primarly spread through infected mosquitoes but can also be transmitted via sexual activity and blood transfusion. The Zika virus can be passed to the fetus by a pregnant woman. It has not been determined if the virus can pass through to the infant via breastmilk. If infected during pregnancy birth defects may result.
Healthcare providers need to know that Zika virus is a nationally notifiable condition. Suspected Zika virus disease cases should be reported to local and/or state health departments.Health departments should report probable and lab-confirmed cases to the Centers for Disease Control.
Outbreaks of Zika virus have occurred in parts of Southeast Asia, Africa, the Pacific Islanders and in the Americas.
The common symptoms of the Zika virus include rash, fever, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, conjunctivitis.There are no confirmed cases of death attributable to the virus. There are no medications or vaccines available for the Zika virus as of yet. About 20% of people infected with Zika will develop symptoms that can last several days to a week.It is not necessary to be hospitalized for the illness.The treatment is rest and fluids. Over the counter pain relievers may be used to alleviate symptoms.
If you are a travel nurse and have recently travelled to any of the places mentioned above and you experience any of these symptoms you should see a doctor. If you are infected with Zika try to prevent getting bitten by a mosquito as that mosquito may spread the virus to others.Be sure to take necessary precautions if you are taking care of a patient who may have the virus.
The Zika virus originated in Africa and until recently it was not considered a specific threat to humans. It spread quickly in the densely populated areas of South America and has spread north from there. There have been cases confirmed in the Gulf States region of the US. The biggest threat from the Zika virus is to pregnant women and their fetuses, where it is known to cause severe birth defects including Guillain-Barre syndrome and microcephaly.
As always, as a traveling healthcare professional, use care and caution. We all want you to stay safe so you can continue to provide the excellent care every patient needs.Safe travels!
Mary Crawford, HealthCare Employment Network
