The Iowa Department of Public Health announced today that an Iowa resident has tested positive for the Zika virus.
According to an IDPH press release, the resident, who is between the ages of 61 and 80, has “a travel history to Central America,” a region that includes Zika-affected areas. The statement does not specify the resident’s location within the state.
Testing for the virus can currently only be completed by the Centers for Disease Control. After the IDPH approved Zika testing for the patient, a specimen was sent to the State Hygienic Laboratory and from there to the CDC.
State public health officials say there is no cause for alarm. IDPH Medical Director Dr. Patricia Quinlisk said, “The general public is not at risk of contracting this virus, because the mosquitoes that transmit Zika are not established in Iowa.”
Because the Zika virus can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly, pregnant women are advised to avoid travel to countries with reports of Zika transmission. The CDC also recommends that men who live in or have visited affected countries use condoms during a partner’s pregnancy. Earlier this month, the CDC confirmed a case of Zika in Texas, which had been sexually transmitted.
In addition to the risk to pregnant woman, the CDC is also investigating potential links between Zika and the neurological condition Guillain-Barré Syndrome. Mosquitos in countries with reports of Zika transmission may also cary other diseases, such as dengue. However, the Zika virus usually causes mild symptoms for a short time; many people won’t notice symptoms at all.
There are no treatments or vaccines for the virus. The CDC suggests measures to avoid mosquito bites, as does the IDPH. “Iowans traveling to areas where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission should take care to protect themselves from mosquito bites,” said Quinslik.
UI’s Iowa’s Student Health & Wellness has issued a spring break travel alert for those traveling to Brazil, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Pacific Islands. Students are advised to consult with UI Student Health prior to travel and are encouraged to receive medical evaluations upon return.
