03/04/2016

February 26, 2016 — The Public Health EMS Medical Advisory Council has provided this update in regards to three infectious diseases: Zika, Ebola and Influenza.

Zika Virus

• Is a flavivirus related to West Nile and Dengue Fever that has recently been found to be endemic to the Caribbean and South America. It is not endemic to the Cincinnati region.
• Concern: It may cause congenital microcephaly in the fetus and may cause Guillain Barre Syndrome.
• It is primarily transmitted by a mosquito strain not endemic to Cincinnati.
• Transmission can occur through sexual contact with an infected male.
• The risk to the general public is near zero unless traveling to an endemic area.
• Case fatality for this rare disease is extremely low.
• Symptoms: Fever, joint aches and red eyes and rash that may be itchy
• More info: CDC.gov/zika

Ebola virus

• Hemorrhagic virus seen in a West African epidemic in 2015 has cooled off.
• There are currently no active cases of Ebola in West Africa.
• There is currently no border screening at the US borders for this disease.
• There is screening in the West African countries for travelers leaving the area.
• No travelers in the Cincinnati region are being monitored for symptoms.
• More info: CDC.gov/ebola

Influenza

• This has been a low and late flu season this year.
• The risk is still there, so vaccination is still recommended.
• H1N1 influenza has played a more predominant role than anticipated this year.
• H1N1 strain is contained in the vaccine. So get vaccinated if you have not been.
• Hospitalizations for flu are much lower than last year.
• No prophylactic antibiotics or antivirals are required. Get vaccinated.
• More info: CDC.gov/flu