LEONARDTOWN, MD (September 8, 2016) – Recently, cases of Zika virus have been reported in countries of Southeast Asia, including Singapore. This expands the areas of the world where local mosquitos may be transmitting Zika. The list of areas with active Zika virus transmission is growing frequently. Anyone planning travel should check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/zika for the latest updates on areas with local Zika transmission.
Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant in the near future should consider postponing travel to areas with known Zika virus transmission. Any pregnant woman who has traveled to an area with Zika virus, or who has had sexual exposure to someone that has traveled, should talk to their healthcare provider about getting tested for Zika.
Persons who have traveled to areas with locally transmitted Zika virus should avoid anal, vaginal, or oral sexual activities with pregnant women or be sure to use condoms properly each time they have sex. Pregnant women and their partners should follow steps to prevent mosquito bites by using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants, and taking steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside of their living areas.
Currently, three travel-related cases of Zika have been laboratory-confirmed in the southern Maryland region. There may be additional probable cases that are not laboratory-confirmed. No locally acquired mosquito-borne transmissions of Zika have been identified in Maryland at this time.
For more information about preventing Zika virus disease, please visit www.smchd.org/zika or www.cdc.gov/zika. For mosquito source reduction tips, please visit the St. Mary’s County Health Department’s website at www.smchd.org/mosquito-control.
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