First case of Zika virus in Hamilton County

CHATTANOOGA (WDEF) – The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Health Department reports the first case of the Zika virus in our area.

The victim did NOT catch it here.

The person returned from Hamilton County after visiting a Zika affected country.

However, the Health Department is going door to door in the area to educate people about how to prevent local transmission.

“We have expected that a travel-related case would occur within our county and we anticipate there will be more such cases,” says Dr. Valerie Boaz, Health Department Medical Director, “What is of paramount importance is that we work to prevent local transmission of the Zika virus.”

There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus infection.

The common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.

It is a very mild illness with 80% of its victims never realizing they have it.

But in rare cases, some Zika victims have developed Guillain-Barre Syndrone.

Also the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that Zika virus is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes including microcephaly. Women who are pregnant or of childbearing age especially need to understand the risk of contracting Zika virus disease. Pregnant women can be infected with Zika virus in any trimester.

“Even though there is currently no evidence of local transmission in Hamilton County from mosquitoes to humans,” says Health Department Epidemiology Manager Bev Fulbright, “This case is a reminder for everyone to consistently protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent mosquito breeding areas by removing standing water, especially in small containers.”

Zika virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to unborn child.

The CDC recommends the following to protect against mosquitoes:
• Insect repellents which contain DEET, Picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane 3,8-diol and IR3535. Duration of protection varies by repellant; read labels on products to determine when reapplications are necessary for optimal protection. To learn more about insect repellents, visit http://cfpub.epa.gov/oppref/insect/.
• Wear long, loose and light-colored shirts and pants and wear socks. Tucking shirts in pants and tucking pants into socks will help form a barrier. Wear closed shoes or boots instead of sandals.
• Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase clothing pretreated with permethrin. Do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
• In locations lacking window screens and/or air conditioning, the use of bed nets is advised. These should reach the floor or be tucked under the mattress.
• Avoid perfumes, colognes and products with fragrances that might attract mosquitoes.

For more information, visit http://tn.gov/health/topic/zika-virus, or call the Epidemiology section at 209-8190.