A second Kentucky resident has tested positive for Zika virus disease after traveling in a Caribbean country where the virus is circulating, the Kentucky Department for Public Health (DPH) is reporting.
Test results were reported to DPH by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which has been tracking cases across the United States.
Countries and Territories in the Americas with Active Zika Virus Transmission
The male patient, who experienced Zika-related symptoms while traveling in recent months, resides in Western Kentucky and has fully recovered from the illness. Public health officials say the announcement of the second Zika case in a Kentucky resident underscores the importance of taking preventive measures to avoid mosquito bites if traveling in areas where Zika is circulating.
“Zika virus is spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and is circulating in many areas of the world where Kentuckians travel for vacation, work and mission trips,” said Dr. Kraig Humbaugh, senior deputy commissioner for DPH. “Simple measures like using repellant and wearing appropriate clothing can make all the difference in terms of preventing illnesses like Zika and other vector borne diseases.”
Zika is not known to be circulating in the mosquito population in Kentucky – or any other part of the United States.
Meanwhile, many states around the country are reporting positive test results for Zika in residents who have traveled to countries experiencing Zika outbreaks. For this reason, Kentuckians traveling to Zika-affected areas of the world should take steps to protect themselves and their families.
Humbaugh
“DPH continues to strongly advise anyone – especially pregnant women and children – planning to travel to countries where Zika virus is circulating to take steps to protect themselves,” said Humbaugh. “This includes being knowledgeable about where the virus is spreading, consulting with a healthcare provider, and, most importantly, following public health’s recommendations to avoid mosquito bites.”
Zika has been increasing in recognition in Brazil, Mexico and most recently in Puerto Rico, Haiti, and the US Virgin Islands. For these reasons, DPH advises that Kentucky travelers follow the advice of the CDC, which continues to advise travelers to protect themselves and their family members from mosquito bites when traveling to affected countries, such as areas in South and Central America and the Caribbean.
More information about Zika can be obtained from the DPH Health Alerts website .
For a full list of affected countries and regions visit:http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html. Localized areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing can be difficult to determine and are likely to continue to change over time.
Travelers to these areas are specifically advised to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and to use approved insect repellents. CDC has additional information online on how travelers can protect themselves and their family members from mosquito bites here .
Kentuckians planning international travel are particularly encouraged to consult the CDC’s Travelers’ Health Website, for country-specific health information for travelers. A weblink about Zika Travel Information, is available here .
Zika is considered by the World Health Organization to be a serious international public health threat.
Except in pregnant women, Zika is almost always a very mild illness and for most people testing is not necessary. Most infected individuals do not show symptoms of Zika virus infection.
There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no specific antiviral treatment for Zika. Its most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.
International travelers to at-risk countries who develop fever, rash and other acute symptoms within two weeks of return to Kentucky should consult with their medical provider.
Additional facts and information specifically related to Zika virus can be found online here .
Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services
