Air Force continues to monitor Zika virus

The Zika virus has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, by the World Health Organization.

FALLS CHURCH, Va.—As the potential for infected mosquitoes to reach the U.S. rises, the Air Force continues to closely monitor the emergence of Zika virus infection to help inform and protect Airmen and their families. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all at-risk communities should prepare for possible Zika virus activity.

As of Feb. 1, 2016, Zika virus has been declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, by the World Health Organization.

Air Force Col. (Dr.) John Oh, chief, Preventive Medicine, Air Force Medical Support Agency, explains that Zika virus is primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. Unlike other mosquitoes, Aedes mosquitoes are aggressive day biters but can also bite at night.

According to Oh, almost all cases of Zika virus infection within the U.S. have come about as a result of a mosquito vector obtained through living and traveling in Zika infected areas. “The number of countries and territories with Zika transmitted locally is growing. There are over 45 now, including countries in Central America, South America, the Caribbean, Asia and Africa,” said Oh. It is also possible for the Zika virus to be sexually transmitted from males to females. Thus far there have been no reported sexual transmissions from female to male.

“The symptoms of Zika virus infection are similar to dengue, another mosquito born infection, and include fever, skin rashes, headaches and joint pain,” said Oh. “However, unlike dengue, Zika symptoms are usually mild, and many infected people don’t have any symptoms.”

“Evidence now supports that there is a risk of birth defects from Zika virus,” explained Oh. “There is enough evidence that it is causal. However, there is still a lot we don’t know about birth defects and Zika. Eighty percent of cases are asymptomatic.” Oh advises pregnant women to take every precaution to prevent mosquito bites, especially in the first trimester.

In response to Zika virus, the Air Force has developed policy guidance for relocation of pregnant Air Force members and dependents from outside the continental U.S., in areas where there is active transmission of the Zika virus. “When considering this policy, we really encourage pregnant women to consult with their health care providers,” said Oh. “Health care providers can help to assess individual risk of Zika infection, factoring in the home environment, for a shared decision between patients and their providers.” Oh encourages pregnant women diagnosed with Zika virus to enroll in the U.S. Zika Pregnancy Registry. The registry follows those enrolled and data collected helps to improve prevention of Zika virus infection during pregnancy and update clinical care recommendations.

"Everyone can help prevent Zika by getting rid of standing water where the mosquito vector can breed. We all need to pay careful attention to our surroundings,” said Oh.

According to the Air Force Integrated Mosquito Management publication, any container that holds water for five to seven days can breed mosquitoes.

Breeding areas include:

Discarded cans and plastic containers
Glass bottles or any broken bottles
Tires and tarps
Obstructed roof gutters
Plant pot saucers
Holes in unused construction blocks or bricks
Pipes
Barrels (Rain barrels or other storm-water collection containers should be treated with mosquito larvicides to prevent mosquito development)

Outdoor equipment tips:

Bird baths should be drained and re-filled at least weekly
Pet food and water bowls should be emptied and filled daily
Flower pots with bases that hold water should have excess water drained if left outdoors
Yard equipment should be stored so as not to collect water

Features of Aedes mosquitoes:

Lives outdoors, but comes indoors
Egg to larva to adult in one week or less
May lay eggs indoors
Rests in low, shaded areas such as under tables and chairs
Silent flier, with no buzzing

Protect yourself

Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellant, according to product label
Treat clothing with permethrin insecticide
Stay inside air-conditioned or screened buildings
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants

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