Febraury 2016 Update
The Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted infection related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile virus. Named after the Ugandan forest where it was first identified in 1947, Zika is caused by a virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. In addition, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have identified some rare cases in which the virus has been transmitted through sexual intercourse, not a mosquito bite.
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis, and the illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. However, in 2016, the World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus an international public health emergency, prompted by growing concern that it could cause birth defects.The infection appears to be linked to the development of unusually small heads and brain damage in newborns. Officials at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have urged pregnant women against travel to nearly two dozen countries, mostly in the Caribbean and Latin America, where the outbreak is growing.
Top Tips for Camps
- Know the facts. Review the CDC’s resources about the symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of the Zika virus.
- Establish mosquito bite prevention protocols. As with a number of other infections, zika virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitos. Review and implement the mosquito bite prevention protocols established by the CDC.
- Understand the recommendations for pregnant women. In February 2016, the CDC developed guidelines for health care providers in the United States caring for pregnant women during a Zika virus outbreak. These guidelines include recommendations for pregnant women considering travel to an area with Zika virus transmission and recommendations for screening, testing, and management of returning pregnant travelers.The CDC recommends that health care providers should ask all pregnant women about recent travel. Ensure that your camp health care providers understand the guidelines from the CDC.
- Communicate with camp families. Families that understand your camp’s commitment to the prevention and spread of communicable diseases and infestations will likely be more comfortable entrusting their children to your care.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis. Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus disease is not known, but is likely to be a few days to a week. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
Treatment
No vaccine or medications are available to prevent or treat Zika infections. Only a trained health care provider can recommend a course of treatment for the symptoms.
Resources
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Zika Virus Resources and Overview
- Potential Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus – Research Brief – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Updates on areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
