Zika Virus - World Health Organization

[sail7seas]

Seeing we have had conversations about Zika virus and the risk of sailing to countries/territories where there are mosquitos that carry that virus, I thought it pertinent to note the announcement I just heard on TV.

 

WHO has announced Zika to be a global emergency. This is rarely done and in the past has happened for such diseases as Tuberculosis and Polio.

 

[cb at sea]

But...Zika isn't readily contagious, like TB or Polio.....

[Karysa]

Global like in the Olympics? Can't help but think Brazil hosting the Olympics is amping this thing up. Not to say that's a negative. Just an observation.

[MommaBear55]

But...Zika isn't readily contagious, like TB or Polio.....

 

There is evidence that it can be transmitted by sexual activity.

[6rugrats]

Seeing we have had conversations about Zika virus and the risk of sailing to countries/territories where there are mosquitos that carry that virus, I thought it pertinent to note the announcement I just heard on TV.

 

WHO has announced Zika to be a global emergency. This is rarely done and in the past has happened for such diseases as Tuberculosis and Polio.

 

 

WHO has done this three times in the past. In 2009 for H1N1, 2014 for polio and 2014 for Ebola.

 

Story here:

 

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/to-your-health/wp/2016/02/01/zika-virus-who-declares-global-public-health-emergency-given-rapid-spread-in-americas/

Edited February 1, 2016 by 6rugrats

[Keith1010]

It is very serious so I don't get any jokes about this.

 

I am sure that for anyone who is pregnant and their spouses and families it is scary.

 

While confined to selected places now, it might not be too long before it spreads.

 

Initially it was thought that it could take a few years to come up with a vaccination for this. I hope they are wrong.

 

This is serious and very scary for those who are pregnant now or who will be getting pregnant.

 

Keith

Edited February 1, 2016 by Keith1010

[6rugrats]

There is evidence that it can be transmitted by sexual activity.

 

Study this conclusion is based on:

 

http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/eid/article/21/2/pdfs/14-1363.pdf

[cwbabe48]

What is the best defense against a bite? I do not want to smell like the forest. Needs to be packable, since I do not check bags.

Thanks

[Keith1010]

What is the best defense against a bite? I do not want to smell like the forest. Needs to be packable, since I do not check bags.

Thanks

 

From the CDC Web Site:

 

Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535. Always use as directed.

Insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are safe for pregnant and nursing women and children older than 2 months when used according to the product label. Oil of lemon eucalyptus products should not be used on children under 3 years of age.

 

Keith

[sail7seas]

What is the best defense against a bite? I do not want to smell like the forest. Needs to be packable, since I do not check bags.

Thanks

 

In other thread about Zika, some posters mentioned an Avon Insect Repellent that seems to be satisfactory for some.

 

[summer slope]

I ordered Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin PUMP 8 from Amazon. It was the #1 recommendation on a thread.

[Keith1010]

I would look carefully at the CDC recommendations and make sure what you order meets wha they noted.

 

What does number 1 on a thread mean? What kind of thread?

 

Keith

[MommaBear55]

What is the best defense against a bite? I do not want to smell like the forest. Needs to be packable, since I do not check bags.

Thanks

 

There are packaged towelettes with insect repellant that can be purchased at any store that carries sundries such as shampoo, toothpaste or suntan lotion.

[sail7seas]

The towelettes are handy to pop in a purse or backpack. Be sure they have DEET.

[summer slope]

I would look carefully at the CDC recommendations and make sure what you order meets wha they noted.

 

What does number 1 on a thread mean? What kind of thread?

 

Keith

 

There was a thread about the Virus, can't remember which one, that had a list of the top 5 recommendations at that time. I ordered the one that was listed first.

 

ETA: it was on our roll call.

Edited February 1, 2016 by summer slope

[sail7seas]

There was a thread about the Virus, can't remember which one, that had a list of the top 5 recommendations at that time. I ordered the one that was listed first.

 

ETA: it was on our roll call.

 

Would you mind sharing that list with us if it isn't too much of a nuisance?

Thanks. :)

 

[summer slope]

How to Prevent Bites

 

For those who are planning to travel in spite of the warnings, the CDC asks that pregnant women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and everyone else should strictly follow steps to protect themselves. Because the mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters and live indoors and outdoors, it's especially important to follow the CDC's precautions during daylight hours.

 

That includes using insect repellent containing deet, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. All have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use during pregnancy. Also wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, the CDC says. At night, CDC recommends sleeping in a screened-in or air conditioned room or under a mosquito bed net.

Consumer Reports' recent tests of insect repellents found that the most effective product, Sawyer Fishermen's Formula with 20 percent picaridin, was also one of the safest, helping to keep away Aedes mosquitoes—the same type that transmit Zika—for at least 8 hours. Off Deepwoods VIII with 25 percent deet also kept Aedes mosquitoes at bay for 8 hours. Our tests showed that repellents containing natural plant oils, such as citronella and lemongrass, did not work against mosquitoes.

Consumer Reports Ratings are: protection against Aedes & Culex mosquitoes

#1 Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin PUMP 8 & 8 hours protection Picaridin 20%

#2 Repel Lemon Eucalyptus PUMP 7 & 8 hours Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus 30%

#3 Repel Scented Family AEROSOL 5 & 8 hours Deet 15%

#4 Natrapel 8 Hours AEROSOL 7.8 & 8 hours Picaridin 20%

#5 Off Deep Woods VIII AEROSOL 8 & 8 hours Deet 25%

 

Most can be found on Amazon.com for comparative pricing..

[moniquet]

It was stated on UK TV today that the link between mosquitos and the babies has not yet been proven:confused:

[sail7seas]

How to Prevent Bites

 

For those who are planning to travel in spite of the warnings, the CDC asks that pregnant women, women who are trying to become pregnant, and everyone else should strictly follow steps to protect themselves. Because the mosquitoes that spread Zika are aggressive daytime biters and live indoors and outdoors, it's especially important to follow the CDC's precautions during daylight hours.

 

That includes using insect repellent containing deet, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus, or IR3535. All have been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency for use during pregnancy. Also wear long-sleeved shirts and pants, the CDC says. At night, CDC recommends sleeping in a screened-in or air conditioned room or under a mosquito bed net.

Consumer Reports' recent tests of insect repellents found that the most effective product, Sawyer Fishermen's Formula with 20 percent picaridin, was also one of the safest, helping to keep away Aedes mosquitoes—the same type that transmit Zika—for at least 8 hours. Off Deepwoods VIII with 25 percent deet also kept Aedes mosquitoes at bay for 8 hours. Our tests showed that repellents containing natural plant oils, such as citronella and lemongrass, did not work against mosquitoes.

Consumer Reports Ratings are: protection against Aedes & Culex mosquitoes

#1 Sawyer Products Premium Insect Repellent with 20% Picaridin PUMP 8 & 8 hours protection Picaridin 20%

#2 Repel Lemon Eucalyptus PUMP 7 & 8 hours Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus 30%

#3 Repel Scented Family AEROSOL 5 & 8 hours Deet 15%

#4 Natrapel 8 Hours AEROSOL 7.8 & 8 hours Picaridin 20%

#5 Off Deep Woods VIII AEROSOL 8 & 8 hours Deet 25%

 

Most can be found on Amazon.com for comparative pricing..

 

 

 

Thanks for posting this. :)

 

[6rugrats]

It was stated on UK TV today that the link between mosquitos and the babies has not yet been proven:confused:

 

It is "strongly linked".

 

http://www.npr.org/sections/goatsandsoda/2016/02/01/465169748/who-birth-defect-linked-to-zika-virus-is-public-health-emergency

[Ashland]

The towelettes are handy to pop in a purse or backpack. Be sure they have DEET.

 

The "OFF" brand towelettes do...I always take them for ease of traveling rather than an aerosol....I buy them by the box at Walmart.

[txjim09]

There is evidence that it can be transmitted by sexual activity.

 

First confirmed case announced today in Dallas.

 

http://www.fox4news.com/news/83981891-story

 

 

First we get Ebola, now this. Yea for us!