askthedoctor Zika Virus T
Seeking Solutions Research is underway to develop a vaccine, specif- ic treatments, and other measures to control the Zika virus. Though the disease itself is relatively mild, the birth defects linked to it are becoming a public health tragedy.
54 MILITARY OFFICER MARCH 2016
Mosquitoes transmit several diseases to people, including yellow fever, malaria, and West Nile virus. Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, D.O., discusses Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness in the news.
The Zika virus first was recognized in 1947 in the Zika Forest of Uganda, as part of a yellow fever research project. The fi rst transmission in the Americas was reported in Brazil in May 2015. Over the next eight months, about 20 more Western Hemi- sphere countries reported the infection. By January 2016, cases were diagnosed in several U.S. states — all in patients infected outside the U.S. As of early February, a sin- gle instance of transmission (apparently by sexual contact) within the continental U.S. had been reported. Zika virus usually spreads through a mosquito bite: An Aedes mosquito bites an infected person or animal and then bites someone else. It isn’t certain how many Aedes species actually spread it, but two species that can transmit it are found in the southeastern U.S. and in a few scattered areas in the south central and southwest parts of the country. If Aedes mosquitoes in these areas become infect- ed, their bites could spread the virus. In 80 percent of those infected, the
Zika virus causes no symptoms. Only 20 percent of those infected have clinical dis- ease, which usually begins within a week of the mosquito bite. Symptoms include some combination of fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. They generally are mild and last less than a week. Nothing suggests the Zika virus can
spread in the air via casual person-to-per- son contact. However, in pregnant women, the virus can infect the fetus and is linked
to a serious birth defect — microcephaly — in which the infant’s brain does not develop fully, with resulting lifelong intellectual and neurological problems. There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection. Treatment is symptomatic — in- cluding fl uids, bed rest, and control of fever. Prevention is key and involves interrupt-
ing the route of transmission (usually, the bite of an infected mosquito). The Aedes mosquito aggressively bites during daylight hours. It lives in cities and often breeds in small buckets or pools of water. Mosquitoes transmit several diseases, so it is prudent to try to avoid mosquito bites. Ways to prevent mosquito bites include: Avoid mosquito-infested areas. Eliminate stagnant water where mosqui- toes breed. Use FDA-registered insect repellents on skin as directed (but not under clothing) or wear clothing impregnated with repellents. Wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts, and hats. Tuck pants into boots; avoid sandals. Stay in air-conditioned buildings; use window screens. When camping, use a mosquito net. Larger public health programs might use insecticide-spraying programs to kill mosquitoes in communities.
MO
— Rear Adm. Joyce Johnson, USPHS (Ret), D.O., M.A., is a health care consultant in Chevy Chase, Md. Find more health and wellness resources at
www.moaa.org/wellness. For sub- mission information, see page 6.
PHOTO: STEVE BARRETT
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