First Human Case Of Zika Virus Confirmed In Indiana

Last updated on Wednesday, February 10, 2016

(INDIANAPOLIS) - State health officials today announced the first Indiana case of Zika virus infection in a non-pregnant resident who recently traveled to Haiti.

This individual's illness, which was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), was not severe enough to require hospitalization.

"I'm thankful for the work of the Indiana State Department of Health as they have tracked the spread of the Zika virus in Latin America and the Caribbean in the event it would arrive here in Indiana," Governor Mike Pence said. "Hoosiers can be assured that the Department of Health is working diligently to study the latest information on the Zika virus and will be proactively keeping Hoosiers informed in the weeks and months ahead."

State Health Commissioner Jerome Adams, M.D., M.P.H., said the health department is providing guidance to local health officials and providers in anticipation of additional travel-related cases in Indiana.

"The risk of contracting Zika virus here in Indiana remains low, but we know that many residents are concerned," Dr. Adams said. "We urge anyone visiting affected areas to take steps to avoid mosquito bites."

There is currently an epidemic of Zika virus infection occurring in Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. The virus is spread to people primarily through bites from an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito. The CDC has also reported isolated cases of spread through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Most people who are infected with Zika virus won't develop symptoms, but those who do are most likely to experience mild illness that can include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (pink eye). There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus. Patients who think they might have Zika virus infection are asked to contact their health care providers and to avoid mosquito exposure for the first week of their illnesses to reduce the likelihood of transmission through mosquito bites.

The CDC has advised pregnant women to avoid traveling to areas where Zika virus has been detected because of concern about birth defects. It also recommends that men who have a pregnant partner and reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission abstain from unprotected sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy. Additional guidance can be found on the CDC's Zika page at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/.

People who choose to travel to Zika-affected areas are encouraged to take precautions against mosquito bites, including the following:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to reduce the amount of exposed skin.
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Look for products containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535 as the active ingredients.
Always follow the product label instructions and reapply as directed.
If you are using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated items.
Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

"Pregnant women should not travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is occurring. Everyone else must weigh the risks against the benefits of travel and make the choice that feels right for them," said Dr. Jennifer Brown, public health veterinarian for the Indiana State Department of Health. "People who choose to travel can reduce their risk of Zika virus infection by taking rigorous precautions to prevent mosquito bites."

For a list of areas affected by the Zika virus, go to http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.

Dr. Brown will conduct a media availability to answer questions about Zika virus today from 11 a.m. to noon in Rice Auditorium at the Indiana State Department of Health, 2 N. Meridian St., Indianapolis. Media should sign in at the information desk upon arrival.

Visit the Indiana State Department of Health at www.StateHealth.in.gov for important health and safety information, or follow us on Twitter at @StateHealthIN and on Facebook at www.facebook.com/isdh1.

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