Zika Case Found in Salt Lake City, UT

Zika Virus

A pregnant woman in Utah County has been diagnosed with an infection of the Zika virus. She had recently moved to Utah from another part of the world affected by the Zika virus. The Zika virus primarily spreads by mosquitoes, and causes only a mild illness in most people. However, unlike other diseases of the flaviviridae family (like West Nile or dengue), the Zika virus can be passed on to the fetuses of pregnant women, who will suffer the most notable effects.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there is currently no known vaccine or medicine for the virus. As a result, it’s important to be informed on how Zika can affect you and your family.

Dangers of Zika virus

For most, the illness will show no symptoms or only mild symptoms lasting up to a week. However, the Zika virus has been shown to have a strong connection to microcephaly – a neurological condition in which an infant’s head is significantly smaller than the heads of other children of the same age and sex.

For pregnant women infected with the virus, this can result in developmental issues, severe brain defects, or even death of the newborn. Presently, the CDC is continuing to study the full range of potential health problem that the virus can cause during pregnancy. Additionally, the CDC is investigating the connection between the Zika virus and Guillain-Barré Syndrome.

How It Spreads

The Zika virus predominantly spreads through the bites of an Aedes species mosquito, which also transmit the West Nile and dengue viruses. Mosquitos become infected after feeding on a person already infected with the Zika virus, and the virus can then be passed on to others through mosquito bites. In pregnant women, the virus can also be transmitted to the fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.

Prevention

While some cases of the Zika virus have been transmitted through sex and blood transfusions, the best way to prevent Zika is to avoid mosquito bites. In some cases, this means refraining from travel to areas with an active infestation. A full list of known regions with Zika are listed on the CDC website. Domestically, take the following steps to prevent mosquito bites:

  • Use insect repellant
    • Always follow product label instructions and take care when applying insect repellant to children!
  • Treat clothing and gear
  • Mosquito-proof your home
  • Remove standing water on a weekly basis

For more information on Salt Lake City mosquito control options, call us today at (801) 566-5590.