DOH Alert: Zika Virus Spreads on Oahu Island • OBROLANBISNIS.com — The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has released shocking news. The DOH reports that a case of the Zika virus has been found on the island of Oahu.
The DOH has identified two people who may have been exposed to the Zika virus.
In a May 27 press release, the Hawaii Department of Health confirmed that an individual on the island of Oahu has been infected with the Zika virus. This situation prompted a public warning to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate mosquito breeding sites.
The department then urged residents, visitors, and businesses to prevent the virus by taking certain precautions, such as using mosquito repellent (Use a product registered with the Environmental Protection Agency that contains 20-30% DEET) and wearing loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants.
In addition, it asked the public to keep mosquitoes away from homes and businesses by ensuring the use of mosquito screens is intact and doors are always closed, and removing standing water around homes and buildings.
Symptoms of Zika virus are usually mild and can include fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes and muscle aches. Most people don’t know they have Zika and about one in five people infected with Zika experience mild symptoms, according to the Cleveland Clinic.
However, the virus is most concerning for pregnant women because it can prevent “the fetus’ brain from developing properly,” according to the CDC.
Health officials recommend using protection during sexual activity to limit the potential spread of the virus.
The most recent travel-related case in Hawaii was reported in 2019, the Hawaii Department of Health said in a press release.
Zika outbreaks were much more common in the past, with an epidemic between 2014 and 2017 in the United States.
Zika is primarily spread by infected Aedes mosquitoes, although the CDC notes that the virus can also be spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy. There is currently no vaccine to prevent or treat Zika virus.
An infection known to cause birth defects, Zika gained national attention in 2015 when a cluster of cases in Brazil led to an increase in babies born with abnormally small heads.
While there is currently no specific treatment for Zika, several vaccine candidates are currently in development.
Oahu is a popular tourist destination with beaches, volcanoes, and Pearl Harbor, among other attractions.
How to Prevent Zika Virus
Here are some ways to prevent the spread of Zika virus:
1. Avoid mosquito bites. Use mosquito repellent and wear clothing that covers your skin.
2. Use mosquito nets. If you are in an area where Zika is endemic, use mosquito nets to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
3. Avoid traveling to endemic areas. If you are pregnant, consider avoiding travel to areas with active Zika cases. ***
