Tag - Zika

ZIKA UPDATE 7/23/18

Jenny Abercrombie2022-11-30T15:52:05-08:00

There have been recent reports, from new agencies and other organizations, about Zika cases in the United States for 2018.  It seemed important to clarify exactly what those reports mean at this time, while also stating that the current status in the United States could change at any time.  Those areas with mosquitos that can carry the Zika virus need to be aware of this possibility, particularly after high rain/standing water events. Specifically, although there are currently Zika cases in the...

Zika Update as of Aug 23, 2016

watchadmin2019-02-25T10:00:28-08:00

1. A new area with local transmission by mosquitos has been identified in Miami, Florida for a portion of South Beach. 2. A non-travel case of Zika has been identified in Pinellas County, Florida and was announced Tuesday. 3. A scientific research study was released using mice models that indicates that the Zika virus is able to cause brain damage in mice adult neural stem cells. For a more complete Zika update, Click Here.

Should EMS Data be Monitored for Zika Infection?

watchadmin2019-02-25T10:01:06-08:00

FirstWatch likes to provide surveillance and early warning for many different threats to our clients – that was, in fact, the initial reason for starting the company. So, it makes sense that the question would be asked by us, and perhaps by you, if Zika should be monitored through the data we capture for you. We have seriously contemplated it and will outline our rationale to not recommend doing so at this time. However, we would very much like to...

Zika in all but 4 U.S. States

watchadmin2019-02-25T10:01:47-08:00

There are currently three scenarios in which the Zika virus is spreading: areas where local mosquito transmission is occurring, areas that have the potential for having local mosquito transmission (have Aedes mosquitos & have or have had Zika infected people), and those areas where Zika transmission is very unlikely although travel-related infections may occur. The only states that do not have travel-related cases are Alaska, Idaho, Wyoming, and South Dakota. First responders should continue to avoid mosquito breeding around the worksite,...

UPDATED: What EMS Should Know About Zika

watchadmin2019-02-25T10:06:06-08:00

Download the below information in PDF form Current Assessment The largest outbreak of the Zika virus continues with active circulation (local transmission) in many countries in South and Central America and the Caribbean, in some of the Islands in Oceania/Pacific Islands and in Cape Verde, Africa. Over a hundred imported cases, by way of returning travelers, have been identified in the United States, Canada, and countries throughout the world. One case in Texas was contracted in the US (not imported) via sexual...

Confirmed Zika Transmission through Intercourse

watchadmin2019-02-25T10:06:53-08:00

Download the below information in PDF form Update Since my last writing on Zika, there have been new developments. Multiple cases of Zika have been diagnosed in the United States, all of which were imported into the country with the exception of one. This single case was transmitted to an individual by sexual contact in Dallas, TX. During the investigation, it was found that the Zika virus can live in semen and transmitted to sexual partners through intercourse. This is the second case...

What EMS Should Know About Zika

watchadmin2019-02-25T10:07:37-08:00

Download the below information in PDF form Current Assessment The largest outbreak of the Zika virus is occurring in Central and South America with fear that the virus will become more widespread to other countries. There has been a rapid surge in Zika virus infections, particularly in Brazil. While the Zika virus usually causes no immediate harm to the patient, it is linked to microencephaly (small head and brain) in the developing fetus of pregnant women. The first US case of Zika induced microencephaly was detected...