Travelers Should Remain Vigilant About the Zika Virus

Photo by Jared Belson, CC 2.0, https://www.flickr.com/photos/187169100@N06/49657959061/, Originally found on Pexels at: https://www.pexels.com/photo/black-white-mosquito-86722/

Zika is a type of virus spread by the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes. Unborn babies who contract the virus could develop birth defects​, including microcephaly and congenital Zika syndrome. Pregnant women should take special precautions to avoid contracting Zika virus disease. Prevent mosquito bites by wearing insect repellent with DEET, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and repairing screens on windows and doors.

“Based on the known risks of newborn defects and developmental delays in infants and young children we must continue to be vigilant and increase awareness of the travel-related Zika virus risks to Maryland residents and travelers who visit countries and territories with risk of Zika,” said Lawrence D. Reid, Director, Office of Maternal and Child Health Epidemiology.

MDH reminds pregnant women not travel to areas with risk of Zika, and men who have traveled to an area with risk of Zika should consider using condoms or abstaining from sex for at least 6 months upon return. Women who have traveled to an area with risk of Zika should consider using condoms or abstaining from sex for at least 8 weeks.

Zika virus has been detected in a number of countries in Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central America, North America, the Pacific Islands, and South America. Please visit CDC’s website (https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information) for a full list of all the countries affected.

“We remind all Maryland residents, especially pregnant women, to take precautions against mosquito bites and to eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” Reid said. However, There have been no cases of Zika from mosquito bites in Maryland thus far.

Please visit zika.maryland.gov for additional information.

By Diane Lee, Public Information Officer, Garrett County Health Department