ZIKA VIRUS IN PUERTO RICO
If you're considering coming to Puerto Rico on vacation then you've probably heard of the Zika virus that has been linked with Puerto Rico and many other Caribbean islands. We won't tell you whether or not you should come to Puerto Rico, but we can provide a little more information that can add some perspective to your decision.
The Zika virus got it's name from the Zika Forest in Uganda which is where it was first discovered in 1947. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Many people who get the Zika virus do not even realize that they have it, but the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. The illness, somewhat like the flu, is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. There has been only one death associated complications from Zika and the person who died was a 70 year old man with pre-existing health conditions.
Zika has also been found in many states throughout the United States, but these instances are mostly cases where people have gotten Zika somewhere else and then traveled to another state. If you're solely listening to large media reports, it may seem as though Zika is only found in Puerto Rico. That is not the case. Instances of the virus have been reported from Mexico all the way down to Paraguay and throughout the Caribbean.
As with any mosquito borne virus, the best defense is information and precautions. Educate yourself on the risks and make an informed decision. The primary times of day when mosquitoes are active is early in the morning and at dusk so be extra cautious during these times. Wear bug repellant and wear long sleeves when traveling in highly populated areas or in areas where mosquitoes are common.
For more information, take a look at the information found on the CDC's website and get your information right from the source.
The Zika virus got it's name from the Zika Forest in Uganda which is where it was first discovered in 1947. The virus is transmitted by mosquitoes. Many people who get the Zika virus do not even realize that they have it, but the most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. The illness, somewhat like the flu, is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. There has been only one death associated complications from Zika and the person who died was a 70 year old man with pre-existing health conditions.
Zika has also been found in many states throughout the United States, but these instances are mostly cases where people have gotten Zika somewhere else and then traveled to another state. If you're solely listening to large media reports, it may seem as though Zika is only found in Puerto Rico. That is not the case. Instances of the virus have been reported from Mexico all the way down to Paraguay and throughout the Caribbean.
As with any mosquito borne virus, the best defense is information and precautions. Educate yourself on the risks and make an informed decision. The primary times of day when mosquitoes are active is early in the morning and at dusk so be extra cautious during these times. Wear bug repellant and wear long sleeves when traveling in highly populated areas or in areas where mosquitoes are common.
For more information, take a look at the information found on the CDC's website and get your information right from the source.
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