Concerns about virus spread by mosquitoes grow as Latin America experiences worst outbreak on record
SARAH. ALL RIGHT. THANK YOU SO MUCH. BRYLÉE. HAPPENING WELL NOW, LATIN AMERICA IS EXPERIENCING ITS WORST OUTBREAK OF MOSQUITO-SPREADY VIRUS, DENGUE. THIS IS ACCORDING TO THE UNIVERSITY OF NEBRASKA MEDICAL CENTER. WE’RE ALSO SEEING CASES HERE IN THE UNITED STATES, EVEN ONE HERE IN ALABAMA. We’ve Thirteen’s Emma Owen joins us live in Birmingham this lunchtime. AND EMMA TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CASE HERE IN OUR STATE. Well, Sarah, according to the CDC, this Alabama case is located in Jefferson County and originated from outside the United States. However, they say it is possible that mosquitoes in some areas of the country can transmit this virus. NOW THE CDC SAYS CASES OF LOCALLY SPREAD VIRUS HAVE BEEN REPORTED IN THESE STATES. ARIZONA, CALIFORNIA, FLORIDA, HAWAII AND TEXAS AND NEIGHBORING FLORIDA. THE HEALTH DEPARTMENT SAYS IT HAS SEEN MORE THAN 170 CASES, BUT ONLY SEVEN WERE ATTACKED LOCALLY. DOCTOR WEST STUBBLEFIELD, OF THE Alabama DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH, says there are two reasons we’re seeing cases originating there. THE MOSQUITO THAT CARRIES IT IS THERE AND IT’S ALSO A DISEASE OF TROPICAL ZONES. AND FLORIDA IS THE MOST TROPICAL STATE. NOW, ALTHOUGH SOME CASES ARE COMING FROM THE UNITED STATES, STUBBLEFIELD SAYS MOST ARE NEEDED ELSEWHERE AND REPORTED TO THE COUNTRY. IF YOU PLAN TO TRAVEL TO AN LOCATION WHERE THE VIRUS IS COMMON, IT RECOMMENDS THAT YOU TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE LEAVING AND MONITOR FOR SYMPTOMS. AFTER YOUR RETURN, ABOUT 1 IN 4 CASES OR YOU WILL HAVE NO SYMPTOMS. Um, it’s usually a, um, after about a week you develop a fever. Um, and then other symptoms can be things like headaches, um, eye pain, muscle pain and joint pain. Um, sometimes a rash. AND, uh, and sometimes they’ll even have a red face or throat. NOW, THATCHED ROOM. STUBBLEFIELD SAYS THE ONLY WAY TO AVOID GETTING THIS VIRUS IS TO AVOID MOSQUITO BITES. HE RECOMMENDS. OF COURSE, BY USING INSECT REPEAT. ALSO WEAR LONG SLEEVES AND PANTS AND IF YOU ARE TRAVELING TO AN AREA WHERE THE VIRUS IS COMMON, MAKE SURE YOU USE MOSQUITO NETS. AND ALSO MAKE SURE THAT YOUR WINDOWS HA
Concerns about virus spread by mosquitoes grow as Latin America experiences worst outbreak on record
Latin America is experiencing its worst outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus dengue, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center. Cases are also seen in parts of the United States, including one case in Alabama. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Alabama patient caught the virus outside the country; however, some mosquitoes in the United States can transmit the virus. The CDC said cases of local spread have been reported in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona and California. So far this year, Florida has seen more than 170 travel-related cases. Seven of these cases were detected locally.Dr. Wes Stubblefield, a doctor with the Alabama Department of Public Health, said there are two reasons the cases are coming from Florida. “The mosquito that carries it is there, and it’s also a disease of tropical areas and Florida is the most tropical of the states,” Stubblefield said. The type of mosquito carrying the virus, known as Aedes aegypti, has not been found in Alabama in more than 25 years, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health. If you plan to travel to an area where this virus is commonly spreading, here is what the CDC recommends: Check health advisories specific to the country you are traveling to. Bring insect repellent Carry acetaminophen, a medication that can manage body aches and fever if you contract dengue fever. As for symptoms, Stubblefield said one in four cases have none at all. If they appear, they usually appear after about a week. Stubblefield said some symptoms include fever, headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, rash and sometimes redness of the face or throat.
Latin America is experiencing its worst outbreak of the mosquito-borne virus dengue, according to the University of Nebraska Medical Center.
Cases are also seen in parts of the United States, including one case in Alabama.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Alabama patient caught the virus outside the country; however, some mosquitoes in the United States can transmit the virus.
The CDC said cases of local spread have been reported in Florida, Hawaii, Texas, Arizona and California.
So far this year, Florida has seen more than 170 travel-related cases. Seven of these cases were detected locally.
Dr. Wes Stubblefield, a physician with the Alabama Department of Public Health, said there are two reasons the cases are coming from Florida.
“The mosquito that carries it is there, and it’s also a disease of tropical areas and Florida is the most tropical state,” Stubblefield said.
The type of mosquito carrying the virus, known as Aedes aegypti, has not been found in Alabama in more than 25 years, according to the Alabama Department of Public Health.
If you plan to travel to an area where this virus is commonly spread, here is what the CDC recommends:
- Check health advisories specific to the country you are traveling to
- Bring mosquito repellent
- Carry acetaminophen, a medicine that can manage body aches and fever if you get dengue fever.
As for symptoms, Stubblefield said one in four cases have none. If they appear, they usually appear after about a week.
Stubblefield said some symptoms include fever, headache, eye pain, muscle and joint pain, rash and sometimes redness of the face or throat.
News Source : www.wvtm13.com
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