Aug. 2, 2016 The CDC has issued travel advisories related to travel to many countries in the Caribbean, Pacific, Mexico, Central America, and South America. Travel advisories have also recently been issued for certain areas in the United States where locally acquired cases of Zika virus have been identified. As new information emerges and affected regions change regularly, please visit the CDC's website for an up to date list of affected areas. The information below is intended for members of the Princeton community. Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that causes illness (fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes) in about one in five people who are infected with it. Zika virus infection before or during pregnancy has been associated with severe birth defects (microcephaly) and poor pregnancy outcomes. Additionally, researchers have established an association between Zika virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting nerves that can sometimes lead to paralysis. To date, there have been no cases of locally transmitted Zika virus. Princeton community members returning from affected areas If you have returned from an area affected by the Zika outbreak within the past month, and you are requesting evaluation at UHS for fever, rash, joint pains or conjunctivitis, please let UHS know before or upon arrival to McCosh Health Center. Call 609-258-3141 or let your health care provider know about any concerns you may have. In the US there have been multiple confirmed cases of sexually acquired Zika. In all the cases, a person who did not travel was exposed to Zika through sexual contact with a male partner who did travel to a Zika affected region. Therefore, the CDC has recommended that male individuals returning from affected areas consider abstaining from sexual intercourse or appropriate use of condoms for 8 weeks to 6 months after returning, depending on whether they had symptoms. The CDC has more information on the sexual transmission of Zika virus. Princeton community members traveling to the affected areas If traveling, take precaution to prevent mosquito bites. Because there is no vaccine or cure, preventing exposure is the only way to avoid disease. We strongly recommend that any traveler to affected and surrounding areas strictly follow the guidance for preventing mosquito bites. Individuals traveling in affected areas should consider abstaining from sexual intercourse or appropriate use of condoms. Individuals considering pregnancy while traveling should consult with their health care provider and review the information on Zika and pregnancy. The CDC has more information on the sexual transmission of Zika virus. Princeton community members who are pregnant or may become pregnant The U.S. Centers for Disease Control advises women who are pregnant or may become pregnant to postpone travel to the affected areas because of the link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and microcephaly. Learn more about Zika risks during pregnancy. Additionally, pregnant women with male sex partners who have traveled to an area with Zika virus should either use condoms appropriately, every time, for vaginal, anal, or oral (mouth-to-penis) sex or not have sex during the pregnancy. The CDC has more information on the sexual transmission of Zika virus. Zika Virus Prevention There is currently no vaccine or other preventative or curative medication for Zika virus. The only known ways to prevent acquisition of Zika is by preventing mosquito bites and by the proper use of condoms or abstinence from sexual contact with men who have traveled to Zika affected areas. The CDC has more information on Zika virus prevention and the sexual transmission of Zika virus. For more information, see the CDC page on Zika virus. We are following this outbreak closely as new information emerges. If you have any questions or concerns related to Zika virus or any symptoms please contact UHS at 609-258-3141. Source Zika Virus - CDC
