NEWSWEEK – The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed a travel-related case of Zika virus on Oahu and identified two others who may have been exposed, prompting a public warning to avoid mosquito bites and eliminate breeding grounds.
Zika is predominantly spread by an infected Aedes species mosquito, although the CDC notes that it can also spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy. There is no vaccine to prevent or treat Zika virus at this time.
An infection known to cause birth defects, Zika gained national attention in 2015 when a cluster of cases in Brazil produced an uptick in babies born with abnormally small heads.
Oahu is a popular tourist destination that is home to numerous beaches, volcanos, and Peal Harbor, among other attractions.
In a May 27 press release, Hawaii’s DOH confirmed that an individual on the Oahu Island has Zika virus. The department is calling upon residents, visitors, and businesses to prevent the virus by taking certain precautions such as:
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- Applying insect repellent (Use products registered with the Environmental Protection
- Agency that contain 20–30% DEET)
- Wear loose-fitting long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Keep mosquitos out of homes and businesses by ensuring screens are intact and doors are kept closed
- Remove standing water around home and buildings …