Monday, February 8, 2016
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus closely related to yellow fever, dengue, and West Nile viruses. Discovered in Uganda in 1947, the current outbreak of Zika virus in Brazil began in early 2015 and has spread to over 20 other countries in the Americas, including Mexico and Puerto Rico.
Although only 20 percent of people infected will have symptoms, the virus has been associated with an increased risk of Guillain-Barr Syndrome, a neurological disorder, and microcephaly, a birth defect characterized by smaller than normal head size.
As a result, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued a level 2 travel alert, Practice Enhanced Precautions, for areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing, recommending that all pregnant women postpone travel to these areas. The World Health Organization (WHO) advised that the recent cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurologic disorders reported in Brazil constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.
Army Medicine is tracking this outbreak to assess the risks to the Soldiers and their Families. All Army medical facilities have been notified of the concerns surrounding Zika infections and are prepared to assist patients who may have been infected.
Army Medicine supports the following guidance to avoid exposures and prevent illnesses:
The DOD will assist other government agencies in developing a vaccine against Zika, new vector control agents, and improved diagnostic tests. Army Medicine will continue to educate all personnel and beneficiaries about Zika virus and provide updates as they arise.
With ongoing operations around the world, the Army continues to strive to protect the health and readiness of total force and their families.
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