August 19, 2016
Public Health Reminder - Zika Virus
Manitobans travelling to locations in Africa, southeast Asia, the Ocean Pacific Islands, South America, Central America, southern Florida and the Caribbean are reminded to take precautions to avoid contracting the Zika virus.
Zika virus infection is caused by a virus related to dengue and West Nile virus. It is primarily transmitted from the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, in particular species such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus (Asian tiger mosquito) commonly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions.
While most spread is linked to the bite of an infected mosquito, less common types of spread have been reported. These include mother-to-child transmission, transmission via transfusion of infected blood and sexual transmission. Further research regarding these types of spread is still ongoing.
Common symptoms may include a low-grade fever, rash, muscle pain, short-term joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), eye pain, chills and headache. Less common non-specific symptoms may include weakness, lack of energy, sore throat, diarrhea and nausea/vomiting.
Only 20 per cent of infected individuals develop symptoms and these usually appear between three and 12 days after the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms are typically mild and last between two and seven days.
Preventing mosquito bites is key to limit the risk of infection with Zika virus. Travellers to regions affected by the current outbreak should use appropriate insect repellents (e.g., those containing DEET and Icaridin), wear protective clothing, use bed nets and make every effort to keep mosquitoes out of living areas by keeping doors closed, window screens in good repair and using air conditioning.
Given the association between Zika virus and the elevated risk of serious health effects on unborn children, it is recommended that pregnant women avoid travel to areas where Zika virus is presently circulating.
Those attempting to become pregnant who cannot delay travel are encouraged to discuss their risk with their health care provider. In situations where travel cannot be avoided or postponed, individuals are encouraged to adopt strict mosquito prevention measures.
Women should avoid becoming pregnant during travel to an area affected by the ongoing Zika virus outbreak or an area at risk, and for two months after return from said area(s).
For men who show no symptoms, condom use is recommended for a period of six months after returning from an area affected by the ongoing Zika virus outbreak or an area at risk.
Those attempting to become pregnant who cannot delay travel or pregnant women who have travelled to an affected area are encouraged to discuss followup health-care options with their health-care provider.
At present, travel-related, congenital and sexually-transmitted cases of Zika virus have been documented in Canada. The cool climate in Manitoba and elsewhere in the country has prevented the establishment of these mosquito species, resulting in the likelihood of local Zika virus transmission due to mosquitoes is very low.
Presently, it is unknown whether local mosquito species could play a role in Zika virus transmission. However, research is ongoing.
For a current list of countries with reported locally-acquired Zika virus, see the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Zika site: healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/zika-virus/risks-countries-pays-risques-eng.php.
For more information on Zika virus, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/diseases/zika.html.
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