Zika Virus Has Been Detected within the U.S.—What Vacationers Ought to Know.

In case you’re headed to Oahu this summer time, bear in mind {that a} mosquito-borne menace is again on the island.

For the primary time since 2019, Zika virus has been detected on Oahu, with the Hawaii Division of Well being confirming one case. There are additionally two different suspected exposures to the Zika virus. The one case of Zika was imported into Hawaii by a traveler and didn’t originate on the island. It isn’t endemic in Hawaii.

Nonetheless, the virus is able to spreading from an contaminated individual, to a mosquito, and on to a different individual. Hawaii does have the kind of mosquitos that may unfold Zika, however the virus isn’t established within the state.

“The DOH asks for help in lowering the potential for the unfold of Zika virus, which is carried by mosquitoes. Vector management groups are responding and can proceed operations in areas the place the people hung out, together with neighborhoods in Waialua/Haleʻiwa space on Oʻahu,” the Hawaii Division of Heath mentioned in an announcement obtained by Journey + Leisure. “DOH will proceed to watch mosquito exercise within the affected areas and implement additional management measures as wanted.”

Signs of Zika virus can embrace fever, rash, headache, joint ache, and pink eye. Nonetheless, about 80 p.c of Zika instances are asymptomatic, in response to the Hawaii Division of Well being. The virus is especially harmful for pregnant ladies, as it may be handed to their fetus and trigger severe beginning defects and being pregnant problems.

Zika is usually unfold by mosquitos who’ve already bitten somebody contaminated with Zika. It can be unfold by way of sexual contact. Different much less frequent however attainable technique of transmission are contaminated blood transfusions, contaminated organ transplants, breastfeeding, or occupational publicity in healthcare settings.

The Division of Well being is encouraging each guests and residents to take measures to forestall the unfold of Zika by making use of EPA-approved insect repellent on uncovered pores and skin, maintaining mosquitos out of buildings by ensuring doorways shut correctly, sporting loose-fitting clothes, and eradicating standing water round buildings that may turn out to be a breeding floor for mosquitos.

“Vacationers ought to take precautions to keep away from mosquito bites throughout their journeys, and for 3 weeks after returning,” the assertion from the DOH states. “Vacationers getting back from an space with danger of Zika ought to take steps to forestall mosquito bites for 3 weeks after their return. Anybody experiencing signs inside two weeks after visiting an space with danger of Zika ought to seek the advice of a well being care supplier and inform them of attainable publicity in a Zika-affected space. Testing isn’t routinely really helpful for vacationers who shouldn’t have signs.”

Oahu is the third largest of Hawaii’s islands, and accommodates the capital of Honolulu. It’s world-famous for its pristine seashores (together with Waikiki Seaside), luxurious inns, and glorious browsing alternatives.