With 1 Local Zika Case, Westchester Offers Tips

To avoid Zika and other mosquito-borne viruses, the Westchester County Health Department advises pregnant women to postpone travel to regions where these are common - including Mexico, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Island, Central and South America and the Caribbean.

All international travelers are also advised to bring and consistently use repellents that contain DEET or another insecticide proven to help prevent mosquito bites.

“This virus is a concern for international travelers and their families,” said Westchester County Health Commissioner Sherlita Amler, MD. “While the symptoms of Zika in most people are mild, Zika has been linked to birth defects, so it is safest for pregnant women to avoid travel to regions where Zika is prevalent.”

One Westchester County resident was diagnosed with Zika virus after returning from travel abroad, officials said. He has fully recovered.

One case has been reported in Rockland County and one, possibly two, in Putnam.

Zika is of concern now in many countries south of the United States with warmer weather and active mosquitoes.

Zika is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is not found in Westchester. This mosquito also spreads Dengue and Chikungunya, two viruses that are common in the same regions. The symptoms of these mosquito-borne viruses include fever, joint and muscle pain, and headache. Zika symptoms also include a rash and pink eye (conjunctivitis). Chikungunya symptoms may also include joint pain that can persist for months. Dengue symptoms may include mild bleeding.

“Using repellents with DEET and staying in places that have secure screens or air conditioning when you travel will reduce your exposure,” Amler said.

ALSO SEE: Contracting Zika in Hudson Valley Unlikely: Infectious Disease Specialist