The Shelby County Health Department has confirmed the third case of the Zika virus in the Mid-South, though more infections are suspected due to vacationers returning from the Caribbean and Central America. Click this story for more.
The tropical mosquito-born disease is especially dangerous to pregnant women. It can cause a neurological disorder in children known as microcephaly.
Dr. Tyler Zerwekh of the Shelby County Health Department says that the three cases have been travel associated, "meaning that people went to a country where there was Zika, they were bitten by a mosquito, became infected and then returned to Shelby county.”
Dr. Zerwekh says that only about one in five people exhibit the flu-like symptoms of the Zika virus. That means, there are likely more people who are infected and could possibly spread it.
“I come back from Central America, I’m infected with Zika and I go out and start playing with my daughters and start doing some yard work, and that mosquito bites me, and then flies over next door and bites you, yes, there’s potential for transmission," Zerwekh says.
Dr. Zerwekh says that Shelby County's mosquito control can focus on neighborhoods with known cases of Zika. So people returning from the tropics should keep a close eye on their health.
“If you begin to get sick or have a slight fever or muscle ache, get to a doctor and let them know of your travel history,” Zerwekh says.
Though there have been no reported local transmissions of Zika, Zerwekh urges precautions such as insect repellent with DEET. And because the mosquitos that carry Zika also bite during the day, make sure to wear it any time outdoors.
Other suggestions from the Shelby County Health Department:
- Apply repellents to the skin often.
- Wear closed shoes or boots instead of sandals.
- Avoid perfumes, colognes or other fragrances that attract mosquitoes.
- If you are infected with Zika, prevent spreading the disease by remaining indoors as much as possible.
