CDC Zika / Chikungunya Virus Warning

CDC Zika Virus Warning

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging pregnant women — at any stage of pregnancy — to consider postponing travel to 14 destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean where a virus linked to birth defects is reportedly being transmitted through mosquito bites.

The countries impacted can be found here: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices

While the virus causes only a mild illness in most people, there is mounting evidence linking it to a birth defect, especially in Brazil.

The CDC also advises women who are contemplating or trying to get pregnant to talk to their doctor before traveling to those areas and to take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

Travelers, especially those with international flights, may have questions about the disease and its ability to spread while traveling. For more information: CDC.gov/travel/notices.

CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:

· Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):

· Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.

· If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites) during your trip.

· Women who are trying to become pregnant:

· Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.

· Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites(http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/avoid-bug-bites) during your trip.

Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time.

Zika Symptons: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/

CDC Chikungunya Virus Warning

Chikungunya (pronunciation: \chik-en-gun-ye) virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Outbreaks have occurred in countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Indian and Pacific Oceans. In late 2013, chikungunya virus was found for the first time in the Americas on islands in the Caribbean.

There is a risk that the virus will be imported to new areas by infected travelers. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

For more information: http://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/