2 Maui residents acquired Zika while traveling abroad
ASSOCIATED PRESS / JAN. 18
In this file photo, a female Aedes aegypti mosquito acquires a blood meal on the arm of a researcher at the Biomedical Sciences Institute in Sao Paulo’s University in Brazil.
WAILUKU » County officials say two Maui residents who recently traveled overseas are infected with the Zika virus.
Maui District Health Officer Dr. Lorrin Pang said in a news release today the residents may have spread the virus to local mosquitoes. Health officials advise travelers to prevent mosquito bites when they return from areas with mosquito-borne disease outbreaks.
The virus causes mild, flu-like symptoms in most people, but can cause severe brain-related birth defects, if women are infected during pregnancy.
Many infected people will not experience any symptoms.
The virus continues to spread in various regions across the world. Travel-related cases are expected to increase this year.
The two Maui residents are the 11th and 12th cases this year of imported Zika in the state. Officials say Hawaii has no locally acquired Zika cases.
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3 responses to “2 Maui residents acquired Zika while traveling abroad”
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The dengue on the Big Island, the Hep A on Oahu, now Zika virus carriers on Maui may have spread the virus by getting mosquito bite upon returning from their travels…what does the state Dept of Health are doing????
How long does the virus stay in the person? Is the infected person a reservoir of Zika blood for mosquitos to spread the virus to others for an indefinite period? How long must an infected person be isolated and not being bitten by mosquitos to stop the spread of virus to others? How do people know whether a mosquito is carrying Zika? Does everyone on Maui need to wear repellent?
Where did these 2 individuals visit to acquire the Zika? Should identify where they visited and automatically screen individuals returning/visiting from these countries? Public Health should be the agency tracking down any visitors from suspected places. Otherwise, Paradise Lost!