RIDEWELL


Protecting yourself against Zika, the new threat south of the border


By Marven Ewen #150506


IF YOU ARE PLAN- ning a trip south of the border you should be aware of a new threat. I am not talking about drug cartels or the bad water, but some-


thing very tiny: the Zika virus. Active transmission of the virus by mosquito has been found in Mexico, Central America and South America all the way down to Paraguay. The only South American countries that have not had active transmission reported so far are Peru, Chile, Argen- tina and Uruguay, although this may change; so check with your travel clinic or CDC website before you go. Zika was actually


first discovered in Uganda, Africa, in 1947. Outbreaks in humans were first reported in 1952. More recently, in May of 2015 the first case of local transmission from mosquito was found in Brazil. Since then, the out- break has quickly spread to other countries. It is transmitted by the Aedes species mosquito that seems to like a warm tropical climate, so it is unlikely to be found above 6,500 feet elevation. If people are infected by this virus,


the symptoms can include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (pink eyes). These symptoms are generally mild and self-limiting. Many people


102 BMW OWNERS NEWS June 2016


don’t even know they have been infected; however, in rare cases some of those infected have also developed Guillain Barre Syndrome. This is a condition where the patient’s immune system is tricked into attacking his or her own nervous system, causing tingling, weakness, and if untreated, paralysis and death. In addition to infection from mosqui-


toes, the Zika virus can be transmitted sex- ually by men during acute infection and for


acquired through sex with men who have been traveling. Although there are no vaccines or medi-


cations for this disease, there are some steps you can take to avoid catching the virus or transmitting it. If traveling in areas known to have active transmission from mosqui- toes, be sure to wear long sleeve shirts and pants. Preferably treat the clothing with Permethrin or buy clothing that has been treated. Cover exposed skin with an EPA- approved


insect repellant


such as DEET, and follow the label instructions


for


reapplication and apply over your sunscreen. Stay where you don’t have to leave a window open at night, or if that is not possi- ble, sleep under netting. Pregnant women should not travel to or through countries of active trans- mission if the altitude is less than 6,500 feet. At this time, until more is known about the virus, men


some time after infection. It is not yet known how long a man can carry the virus and remain infectious. The chief concern about this virus is the


devastating impact it can have on a devel- oping fetus if a pregnant woman gets infected. There has been a rash of babies born in South America with Microcephaly, and it is thought to be the result of Zika infection. Microcephaly is a type of con- genital abnormality resulting in a very small brain, which causes severe neurologic impairment. The infection has also been seen in most


states throughout the U.S. but not directly from mosquitos yet. The cases of disease in the U.S. have been in returning travelers or


returning from mosquito transmission countries should assume they have acquired the infection and take steps to prevent sex- ual transmission to their partners. The rec- ommendation is condoms or abstinence for period of six months. Also, returning travelers, both men and


women, should take steps for the first three weeks to avoid bites from mosquitos at home, so the infection doesn’t get spread to local mosquitos. Following the guidelines to reduce your


Zika risk also reduces your risk for other mosquito-borne diseases such as Malaria, West Nile and Dengue, so the need to avoid mosquito bites should be a familiar precau- tion to world travelers.


skills


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