Kern County Public Health Services has received confirmation of the first reported travel-associated Zika virus infection in a Kern County resident.
“Although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in Kern County, our community can take some preventative steps,” said Matt Constantine, Director of Kern County Public Health Services Department.
Prepare for #Zika before, during, and after your summer travel. Here’s how: https://t.co/PWLt0uV8Ry pic.twitter.com/rBNeaFsihQ
— CAPublicHealth (@CAPublicHealth) August 12, 2016
No word yet on who contracted the virus or where they contracted it from.
Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes.
These mosquitoes are not native to California. There have been no detections of mosquitoes carrying the Zika virus in our community or the state.
Zika virus can also be transmitted to sexual partners by both males and females.
Sexually-active adults should use condoms consistently and correctly or abstain from sex after returning from travel to affected areas.
Because Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause birth defects, both men and women of childbearing age should take precautions against mosquitoes during travel and avoid pregnancy for at least eight weeks after returning from a location where Zika is spreading.
All travelers visiting an area with active Zika transmission should take steps to prevent mosquito bites for at least three weeks upon return, even if travelers are not experiencing any symptoms.
“Help reduce the risk of mosquito-spread diseases by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots and wear mosquito repellent when appropriate. These are healthy habits to have year round in Kern County.”
“Although there is no evidence of mosquitoes carrying Zika virus in Kern County, our community can take some preventative steps,” said Matt Constantine, Director of Kern County Public Health Services Department.
“Help reduce the risk of mosquito-spread diseases by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots and wear mosquito repellent when appropriate. These are healthy habits to have year round in Kern County.”
Prevent diseases like #ZikaVirus and #westnilevirus from spreading ~ drain standing water around your property. pic.twitter.com/fj0ZttUBbn
— Kern Public Health (@KCPublicHealth) August 12, 2016
