Posts Tagged ‘Zika Virus’

Emerging Health Risk – Zika Virus

Saturday, January 30th, 2016
Be Well

Be Well

The Centers for Disease Control are working to educate the public about the risks arising from Zika fever, a disease caused by infection with the Zika virus, that is transmitted to people by mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of infection are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. A vaccine or cure for Zike does not yet exist. Treatment for infected patients focuses on relieving symptoms and including rest, re-hydration and medications  for fever and pain. The Zika virus first came to the attention of officials charged with public health responsibilities last May when the Pan American Health Organization issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil.

The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects. Having worked in parts of the world where preventive measures were not entirely successful in helping me to avoid mosquito-borne illnesses, I would, out of an abundance of caution, defer traveling to regions where outbreaks have occurred. The CDC has an online map tracking the spread of the virus. If your company engages in international business travel, you can subscribe to free online alerts to health risks across the world. Take advantage of these tools to stay informed and make sure that your employees remain safe. Pay particular attention to the special needs of employees who are pregnant or may be vulnerable for other reasons.