More Zika Cases Confirmed in State of Alabama; 16 Different Counties Affected

Zika 1

According to the latest information from the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) as of August 15th, there has been a total of 25 travel-related positive tests for the Zika virus in state residents from 16 counties.

Counties where there have been Zika positives include Calhoun, Cullman, Etowah, Houston, Jefferson, Lawrence, Lee, Limestone, Madison, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega and Tuscaloosa.

State Health Officer Dr. Tom Miller says they have been working with a variety of partners, including the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and the medical community, to identify individuals who need to be tested for the Zika virus and with those who have tested positive.

Additional precautions are needed for pregnant women and women of childbearing age.

Public health environmentalists have been helping communities reduce mosquito breeding grounds around their homes and communities.”

Zika virus is transmitted primarily through the bites of a certain species of mosquitoes and through sexual activity. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect that is a sign of incomplete brain development. Doctors have also found other problems in pregnancies and among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth.

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache. These symptoms usually last for several days to a week.

The best way to protect against Zika is to prevent mosquito bites by wearing an Environmental Protection Agency-registered repellent. Other recommendations are as follows:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning or window and door screens.
  • Remove standing water.

For more information, visit the CDC website, cdc.gov

 

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