Earlier this month, the Surgeon General’s Office issued a video
on the three ways to protect yourself from the Zika virus. The video
clearly illustrates the steps that people can take to protect themselves and
their loved ones from Zika.
The video, produced by the media company Attn:, can be found
at: https://www.facebook.com/attn/videos/vb.160389977329803/1052232938145498/?type=2&theater
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bites of infected
mosquitoes. The types of mosquitoes that can transmit Zika virus are not
found in Maine.
Maine CDC is issuing biweekly reports on Zika, which are
available at http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/zika/index.shtml
Health care providers may consider testing for the following
individuals for Zika:
- Symptomatic individuals with
travel history to a Zika affected country
- Pregnant women with travel
history to a Zika affected country
- Partners of pregnant women with
travel history to a Zika affected country
If the patient does not meet the submission guidelines above,
the sample will be rejected. Testing is not recommended to
determine when a couple can begin trying for pregnancy. Couples should consult
with their health care providers and follow the updated U.S. CDC guidance on
preventing sexual transmission.
For more information:
- Maine CDC Zika webpage: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/zika
- U.S. CDC Zika webpage: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html
