NEW: First Case of Zika Virus Confirmed in Rhode Island
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
The Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) has announced the first confirmed case of Zika virus. The person who tested positive, a male in his 60s, had recently traveled to Haiti, where there is active mosquito-borne transmission of Zika.
“We have been closely monitoring the Zika situation internationally and have been coordinating with Rhode Island healthcare providers for months. We were fully prepared for this first case. While the risk to the public is very low, we are coordinating with doctors, especially those who work with pregnant women, on how best to identify symptoms and educate patients about prevention,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott, MD, MPH.
RIDOH has taken the following measures:
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST- Established a Zika Task Force that includes fetal medicine specialists from Women & Infants Hospital in February;
- Issuing regular briefs to Rhode Island healthcare providers with updated guidance and information on symptoms and specimen collection;
- Coordinating patient specimen collection and shipment to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and
- Coordinating with the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management for increased mosquito surveillance and larvaciding.
The Zika Virus
The Zika virus is primarily spread through bites from infected mosquitoes. It can also be spread sexually.
The virus causes symptoms that include a fever, rash, joint pain, headache, muscle pain, and conjunctivitis. Nearly 80% of those who have the virus do not have the symptoms. The symptoms usually appear within 3 to 14 days of infection.
“We don’t expect locally-acquired cases here because the species of mosquitos that are currently known to transmit Zika are not found in Rhode Island. However, Rhode Islanders who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to countries where there is active transmission of the virus,” said Dr. Alexander-Scott.
Preventing Zika
To prevent exposure to Zika another mosquito-borne diseases, especially while traveling to areas with active mosquito-borne Zika transmission, people should:
- Use and reapply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved bug spray containing at least 20% DEET.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Stay in buildings that use air conditioning, or have window and door screens.
- Sleep under a mosquito net.
For more information on the Zika virus, click here.
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