Vancouver, WA ‒ A Clark County woman in her 60s has acquired the Zika virus while traveling in Central America, a region listed in Zika travel advisories issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The illness is Clark County’s first reported Zika case. Health officials do not expect the virus to spread locally because the types of mosquitoes that transmit Zika are not found in the Pacific Northwest. The case does not present a risk to the public. Another 25 Zika cases have been reported statewide.

Zika virus symptoms, risks and transmission

The Zika virus can be transmitted by mosquito bites or sexually transmitted by a man or woman. Anyone who has a pregnant partner and has traveled to an area known to have the Zika virus should abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use barrier methods, such as condoms, during sex for the duration of the pregnancy.

Zika infection in pregnant women is linked to a birth defect in newborns called microcephaly, an abnormally small brain and skull, and other poor pregnancy outcomes.

"Zika is a serious risk for pregnant women who travel to areas where outbreaks are occurring or have sex partners who have travel to these areas," said Dr. Alan Melnick, health officer and Public Health director. "Pregnant women should avoid travel to Zika-affected areas and anyone who travels to areas where the Zika virus is spreading should take precautions to prevent infection."

No vaccine exists to prevent Zika infection and no medicine treats it. The best way to prevent a Zika infection is protect against mosquito bites. Travelers to areas with Zika should use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents according to their instructions. Travelers also should wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants and stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens.

Symptoms of Zika infection are generally mild, but can include fever, rash, joint pain and redness of the eyes. Symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being infected. Most people who get Zika have no symptoms at all.

Consult a healthcare provider if you have concerns about possible Zika virus exposure, such as travel to an area known to have the virus or unprotected sex with a person who traveled to or lives in an area where the Zika virus is active.

Zika response in Clark County

Clark County Public Health is facilitating testing at public health labs and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for anyone who meets testing criteria. Health officials do not recommend testing asymptomatic people or asymptomatic women who are not pregnant.

Clark County Public Health will continue to:

• Track and monitor any additional cases
• Update the public and healthcare providers with new information
• Coordinate with the clinical healthcare system.

For more information about Zika, visit www.cdc.gov/zika. 

CONTACT
Dr. Alan Melnick
Health Officer/Public Health Director
Public Health
(360) 397-8412
alan.melnick@clark.wa.gov