Arizona health officials are on high alert as threats of the Zika virus on U.S. soil become a reality.
The Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services says they are asking local physicians to monitor patients for possible symptoms.
“Right now we’re working with healthcare providers to educate them on what the symptoms are, what the signs are, and when to contact public health to get testing arranged,” said Dr. Cara Christ, Director of the Arizona Department of Health Services.
Right now, there are no confirmed cases of the Zika virus in Arizona, but the type of mosquito that carries the disease is already present in our state, according to the CDC.
“We have that type of mosquito in Arizona, and we’ve been watching it for several years because it carries other diseases of concern as well,” said Dr. Christ.
The big fear is if an infected person returns from travel and gets bit by another mosquito, that transfer can start a rapid spread of the illness.
Only one in five adults infected show symptoms, which are usually mild (rash, joint pain, red eyes, fever), but the health effects transferred to newborn children are much more serious.
Since October, thousands of babies in Latin America have been born with microcephaly; a condition that causes abnormally small heads and possible brain damage.
Dr. Christ says the best way to protect yourself is to avoid traveling to affected areas, or getting bit by a mosquito.
TIPS:
- Wear long pants and shirts
- Use bug spray
- Get rid of standing water around your home
- Close windows at night
