The New York State Department of Health will
offer advanced lab testing for individuals with symptoms who have
travelled to areas where Zika virus infection is ongoing. This will be
done by the Wadsworth Center – one of only three state laboratories in
the nation with the ability to conduct this kind of advanced testing –
and will also include screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies
against Zika and other related viruses. Additionally, the state has
launched a new information hotline (1-888-364-4723) for New Yorkers to call and learn more about the virus.
“Protecting the health of this state and its residents is this administration’s highest priority,” said Governor Cuomo. “We’re
working closely with the CDC and local health departments to address
potential cases of Zika Virus, and by offering free testing we are
helping to stay ahead of this disease and protect the public health. I
encourage any New Yorkers who have recently traveled to impacted
countries to stay informed and consult their health care professionals
if they develop symptoms.”
Governor Cuomo said, “Once again, New York’s
Wadsworth Center is at the cutting edge of laboratory science and, as a
result, New Yorkers are safer from Zika virus and other infectious
diseases. I have also directed DOH to work closely with local health
departments and healthcare providers to ensure that everyone has the
most up-to-date information on the Zika virus.”
The testing is being conducted in
collaboration with the federal Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention which is providing some of the reagents to conduct Zika
tests. In addition, Wadsworth and DOH’s epidemiologists are working
closely with the CDC to evaluate other risk groups who may also need
testing. The testing guidelines are expected to evolve as more data on
the virus becomes available. DOH will also issue health advisories to
local health departments as new information and guidance on Zika virus
becomes available.
Additional information on Zika is available here. DOH has also set up a Zika virus information line which will be staffed weekdays from 9am to 6pm. The number is: 1-888-364-4723.
The symptoms of Zika virus infection are
usually very mild, and many people might not even realize they have been
infected and they recover without any issues. However, there have been
reports of increased cases of a birth defect known as microcephaly that
may be associated with Zika virus infection among pregnant women.
Individuals with symptoms and a history of recent travel to affected countries should contact their healthcare provider to arrange testing. The most
common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, or
conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin two to seven days
after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
“Clearly we are most concerned about
providing testing for pregnant women, which will provide them and their
doctors with the information they need to make the right healthcare
decisions,” said DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “The testing will also give scientists a better understanding of the Zika virus, for which little data currently exists.”
Dr. Zucker presented a webinar on the Zika
virus today to more than 1,200 participants across New York State and
also shared the activities that the DOH is undertaking to protect New
Yorkers. The presentation can be viewed here.
There have been nine positive cases of Zika
virus infection among New York State residents. All of the infected
patients are returning travelers from countries where Zika virus is
ongoing. Zika virus cannot be spread through casual person-to-person
contact, however, it is likely that there will be many travel-associated
cases of people with Zika virus infection living in and seeking care in
New York. The CDC has issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced
Precautions) for people traveling to regions and certain countries where
Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Pregnant women in any trimester should
consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is
ongoing. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk
to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow
steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip, including:
1. Dressing in long-sleeved shirts and long pants
2. Staying indoors when mosquitoes are most active
3. Using repellent products registered with the US Environmental Protection Agency
4. Not overusing repellent – only applying as much as needed to provide protection
5. Reading and following label directions before you use any kind of repellent
See your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes within two weeks after traveling to a country where Zika virus cases have been reported.
Be sure to tell your health care provider where you traveled.
Because specific areas where Zika virus
transmission is ongoing are difficult to determine and likely to change
over time, CDC will update their travel notices as information becomes
available. Travelers should check the CDC travel website frequently for
the most up-to-date recommendations.
Source: Press Office, Governor Andrew M. Cuomo
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