Spring break travels necessitate Zika precautions
Students traveling abroad over spring break should be aware of the Zika virus and take preventative measures. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, the illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes),” the website stated. “There is no vaccine to prevent or specific medicine to treat Zika infections.”
The CDC reports that recent Zika outbreaks have occurred in South America, Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean and may continue to spread.
“No local mosquito-borne Zika virus disease cases have been reported in US states, but there have been travel-associated cases,” the website stated. “Because the mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are found throughout the tropics, outbreaks will likely continue.”
According to Dr. Stacy Ware, Director of Student Health Services, information on the Zika virus changes rapidly, so students who plan on international travel should schedule a free travel consultation to learn more about their potential risks of exposure.
“We have up to date information available for all countries they may visit during their trips abroad,” Ware said. “We give instructions on how to minimize exposure to mosquitos.”
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