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Zika
Where has Zika virus been found?
Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks had been identified in countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil. Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries in the Americas. In December 2015, Puerto Rico reported its first confirmed Zika virus case.
Locally-transmitted Zika virus has not been reported elsewhere in the United States, but cases of Zika have been reported in returning travelers. With the recent outbreaks in the Pacific Islands and South America, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases may result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States.
Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks had been identified in countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil. Currently, outbreaks are occurring in many countries in the Americas. In December 2015, Puerto Rico reported its first confirmed Zika virus case.
Locally-transmitted Zika virus has not been reported elsewhere in the United States, but cases of Zika have been reported in returning travelers. With the recent outbreaks in the Pacific Islands and South America, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases may result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States.
Not in the DR but Zika has been detected in Haiti. Officials are working to coordinate efforts to stop the
virus from entering the DR.
Officials aim to halt zika virus at ports, airports, border crossings
Santo Domingo.- The heads Public Health, with the director of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), Major General Paulino Ruben Dario, and the Director of Specialized for Land Border Security (Cesfront) met Monday to coordinate efforts to stop the zika virus.
Public Health minister Altagracia Guzman met with Ruben D. Paulino (DGM) and Carlos M. Aguirre of Cesfront at the Health Ministry, to share information and keep the disease from entering Dominican territory through ports, airports and border crossings.
Paulino said details would be provided about the "terrible zika virus to alert for any traveler who isn?t aware of this disease," through bulletins at all entry and exit points.
Guzman said not one case has been reported in the country thus far although the virus has been confirmed in Haiti, Puerto Rico, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil, among others, "for which I dare say that we are the only country that has yet to report cases in the region."
"That?s to say that we are virtually surrounded by the zika virus, which demands that all Dominicans and all institutions join efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites."
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/lo...zika-virus-at-ports-airports-border-crossings
virus from entering the DR.
Officials aim to halt zika virus at ports, airports, border crossings
Santo Domingo.- The heads Public Health, with the director of the General Directorate of Migration (DGM), Major General Paulino Ruben Dario, and the Director of Specialized for Land Border Security (Cesfront) met Monday to coordinate efforts to stop the zika virus.
Public Health minister Altagracia Guzman met with Ruben D. Paulino (DGM) and Carlos M. Aguirre of Cesfront at the Health Ministry, to share information and keep the disease from entering Dominican territory through ports, airports and border crossings.
Paulino said details would be provided about the "terrible zika virus to alert for any traveler who isn?t aware of this disease," through bulletins at all entry and exit points.
Guzman said not one case has been reported in the country thus far although the virus has been confirmed in Haiti, Puerto Rico, Panama, El Salvador, Guatemala, Colombia and Brazil, among others, "for which I dare say that we are the only country that has yet to report cases in the region."
"That?s to say that we are virtually surrounded by the zika virus, which demands that all Dominicans and all institutions join efforts to reduce mosquito breeding sites."
http://www.dominicantoday.com/dr/lo...zika-virus-at-ports-airports-border-crossings
There are already enough mosquito transmitted diseases in the DR. If you don't have screens on your windows I would certainly consider getting them asap.
The only good thing about yet another virus is that this is not as bad as some of the others with the exception of small head baby issues:
Common symptoms of infection with the virus include mild headaches, maculopapular rash, fever, malaise, pink eye (e.g. light sensitivity), and joint pains. The first well-documented case of Zika virus was described in 1964, began with a mild headache, and progressed to a maculopapular rash, fever, and back pain. Within two days, the rash was fading, and within three days, the fever resolved and only the rash remained. Thus far, Zika fever has been a relatively mild disease with limited scope, with only one in five persons developing symptoms, with no fatalities, but its true potential as a viral agent of disease is unknown.[8]
As of 2016, no vaccine or preventive drug is available. Symptoms can be treated with acetaminophen or paracetamol, while aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should only be used when dengue has been ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.[15]
In a French Polynesian epidemic, 73 cases of Guillain?Barr? syndrome and other neurologic conditions occurred in a population of 270,000, which may be complications of Zika virus.[10] The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control issued in December 2015 a comprehensive update on the possible association of Zika virus with congenital microcephaly and Guillain?Barr? syndrome.[16]
Microcephaly
Data suggest that newborns of mothers who had Zika virus infection during pregnancy are at an increased risk for microcephaly. Since December 2015, it has been suspected (but not proven) that a transplacental infection of the fetus may lead to microcephaly and brain damage.[17]
In November 2015, Zika virus was isolated in a newborn from the northeastern state of Cear?, Brazil, with microcephaly and other congenital issues. In 2015, 2,782 cases of microcephaly occurred compared with 147 in 2014 and 167 in 2013.[18][19] The Lancet reported in January 2016 that the Brazilian Ministry of Health had only "confirmed 134 cases of microcephaly believed to be associated with Zika virus infection ? a further 2,165 cases in 549 counties in 20 states are under investigation".[20]
In January 2016, a baby in Oahu was born with microcephaly, the first case in the United States of brain damage linked to the virus. The baby and mother tested positive for a past Zika virus infection. The mother, who likely had acquired the virus while traveling in Brazil in May 2015 during the early stages of her pregnancy, had reported her bout of Zika. She recovered before relocating to Hawaii. Although her pregnancy had progressed normally, the baby's condition was not known until birth.[21]
Common symptoms of infection with the virus include mild headaches, maculopapular rash, fever, malaise, pink eye (e.g. light sensitivity), and joint pains. The first well-documented case of Zika virus was described in 1964, began with a mild headache, and progressed to a maculopapular rash, fever, and back pain. Within two days, the rash was fading, and within three days, the fever resolved and only the rash remained. Thus far, Zika fever has been a relatively mild disease with limited scope, with only one in five persons developing symptoms, with no fatalities, but its true potential as a viral agent of disease is unknown.[8]
As of 2016, no vaccine or preventive drug is available. Symptoms can be treated with acetaminophen or paracetamol, while aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs should only be used when dengue has been ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.[15]
In a French Polynesian epidemic, 73 cases of Guillain?Barr? syndrome and other neurologic conditions occurred in a population of 270,000, which may be complications of Zika virus.[10] The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control issued in December 2015 a comprehensive update on the possible association of Zika virus with congenital microcephaly and Guillain?Barr? syndrome.[16]
Microcephaly
Data suggest that newborns of mothers who had Zika virus infection during pregnancy are at an increased risk for microcephaly. Since December 2015, it has been suspected (but not proven) that a transplacental infection of the fetus may lead to microcephaly and brain damage.[17]
In November 2015, Zika virus was isolated in a newborn from the northeastern state of Cear?, Brazil, with microcephaly and other congenital issues. In 2015, 2,782 cases of microcephaly occurred compared with 147 in 2014 and 167 in 2013.[18][19] The Lancet reported in January 2016 that the Brazilian Ministry of Health had only "confirmed 134 cases of microcephaly believed to be associated with Zika virus infection ? a further 2,165 cases in 549 counties in 20 states are under investigation".[20]
In January 2016, a baby in Oahu was born with microcephaly, the first case in the United States of brain damage linked to the virus. The baby and mother tested positive for a past Zika virus infection. The mother, who likely had acquired the virus while traveling in Brazil in May 2015 during the early stages of her pregnancy, had reported her bout of Zika. She recovered before relocating to Hawaii. Although her pregnancy had progressed normally, the baby's condition was not known until birth.[21]
The sky is not falling !!!!
The sky is not falling. Just follow the reasonable protection rules; wear appropriate light colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks, and use mosquito repellent. This should be practiced all the time, here in the DR, and at home when in season.
Please note: Most, if not all resorts spray against mosquitoes daily.
Regards,
PJT
The sky is not falling. Just follow the reasonable protection rules; wear appropriate light colored clothing, long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks, and use mosquito repellent. This should be practiced all the time, here in the DR, and at home when in season.
Please note: Most, if not all resorts spray against mosquitoes daily.
Regards,
PJT
We buy these little glass enclosed candles and burn them at ankle height. They do not seem to have that harsh smoke the green coil thingies do. Recently I had mosquitoes starting to bite my ankles as I sit here at the computer, it hadn't been a problem before. I don't even see these girls, just feel their bites. That is when I started with the candle things.
Der Fish
Der Fish
If its in PR and Haiti you think its not here yet? Just the lag time for the DR doctors to catch up. No one here will live long enough for the DR to undertake mosquito prevention unless a way is found to steal money in the process. To wait until you are being bitten is risky. Just use the anti mosquito sprays and you will be safe from all the diseases they carry. The newer sprays are not expensive, non greasy, no unpleasant odor and I use them all the time. Working great so far. Big plus for me is I no longer worry about getting sick. Unless you have had dengue, malaria or chikengunya you have no idea what really sick is like. Why gamble with your health. People who are already compromised with other underlying health issues can die from these diseases. I like the peace of mind I get from applying the spray. What I do not especially like is every person within a mile wanting me to spray them also but I am even getting used to that. Spread the love.
Health authorities ask women to delay getting pregnant over Zika threat
Santo Domingo.- Health Minister Altagracia Guzman on Wednesday asked women in the Dominican Republic to postpone getting pregnant this year due to the potential impact of the Zika virus on newborns.
The advice was given during a meeting of the National Commission for the Control of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, where the minister talked about the clearer relationship between the virus and the incidence of babies being born with abnormally small skulls, a condition known as microcephaly, Diario Libre reported.
Guzman also announced that 27 samples from different patients had been sent to the United States for testing to determine if they are cases of the Zika virus. The minister asked pregnant women to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellants that do not cause undesirable effects on a fetus.
Babies who develop microcephaly in the womb may not live to full term, may be born prematurely, may be stillborn, or may survive but with lifelong disability.
http://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/...en-to-delay-getting-pregnant-over-Zika-threat
Santo Domingo.- Health Minister Altagracia Guzman on Wednesday asked women in the Dominican Republic to postpone getting pregnant this year due to the potential impact of the Zika virus on newborns.
The advice was given during a meeting of the National Commission for the Control of Dengue, Chikungunya and Zika, where the minister talked about the clearer relationship between the virus and the incidence of babies being born with abnormally small skulls, a condition known as microcephaly, Diario Libre reported.
Guzman also announced that 27 samples from different patients had been sent to the United States for testing to determine if they are cases of the Zika virus. The minister asked pregnant women to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using insect repellants that do not cause undesirable effects on a fetus.
Babies who develop microcephaly in the womb may not live to full term, may be born prematurely, may be stillborn, or may survive but with lifelong disability.
http://dominicantoday.com/dr/local/...en-to-delay-getting-pregnant-over-Zika-threat
Health officials asking women not to get pregnant this year over the threat of the virus? In one ear and out the other.
That way he can later blame the woman with a baby born with a birth defect and not public heath officials who will do nothing to prevent the spread of "ZIKA" in the DR, except what they always do about mosquito born illnesses,.... tell people to:
"Empty standing water near your home"!!!
CCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC
"Empty standing water near your home"!!!
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Seems its not just the DR saying don't get pregnant. El Salvador is wanting them to wait until 2018.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/worl...c2dadc-c11f-11e5-98c8-7fab78677d51_story.html
Although the Zika virus has been documented since the 1940s, it began its assault on Latin America in the past several months. The hardest-hit country has been Brazil, where more than 1 million people have contracted the virus. In the past four months, authorities have received reports of nearly 4,000 cases in which Zika may have caused microcephaly in newborns. The condition results in an abnormally small head and is associated with incomplete brain development. Colombia, which shares an Amazonian border with Brazil, reacted to its own Zika outbreak, numbering more than 13,000 cases, by urging women not to get pregnant in the next several months. Other countries, including Jamaica and Honduras, also have urged women to delay having babies.
After more than 5,000 suspected Zika cases were reported last year and in the first weeks of 2016, El Salvador on Thursday took the most extreme stance so far: Deputy Health Minister Eduardo Espinoza urged women to refrain from getting pregnant before 2018. The Central American nation saw its first suspected Zika cases in November and sent samples to the United States to be tested for the virus, Espinoza said in an interview.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/worl...c2dadc-c11f-11e5-98c8-7fab78677d51_story.html
Although the Zika virus has been documented since the 1940s, it began its assault on Latin America in the past several months. The hardest-hit country has been Brazil, where more than 1 million people have contracted the virus. In the past four months, authorities have received reports of nearly 4,000 cases in which Zika may have caused microcephaly in newborns. The condition results in an abnormally small head and is associated with incomplete brain development. Colombia, which shares an Amazonian border with Brazil, reacted to its own Zika outbreak, numbering more than 13,000 cases, by urging women not to get pregnant in the next several months. Other countries, including Jamaica and Honduras, also have urged women to delay having babies.
After more than 5,000 suspected Zika cases were reported last year and in the first weeks of 2016, El Salvador on Thursday took the most extreme stance so far: Deputy Health Minister Eduardo Espinoza urged women to refrain from getting pregnant before 2018. The Central American nation saw its first suspected Zika cases in November and sent samples to the United States to be tested for the virus, Espinoza said in an interview.