By Gabrielle Feldman

 

With Zika cases on the rise, many pet owners are curious if their pets are at risk of becoming infected. According to public health officials, the number of cases in San Diego has now reached 22, which is the second highest county in California. Officials also expect an increase in numbers due to increase travel numbers in the summer, as well as a potential risk from the Olympics being held in Brazil.

What is the Zika virus?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that was first identified in Africa in the 1940’s. Within the past five years cases in Europe and the Americas began emerging. Since the first reported case in Brazil, in 2015, it has now spread significantly. According to ArboNet, as of August 3, 2016, there have been 1,824 reported cases in the United States- 5% of which in California.

How do you get the Zika virus?

According to the Health & Human Services Agency, it is mainly spread by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito- the same genus that has spread dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The vast majority of cases in the United States have come from people traveling and returning home infected. However, recently infected mosquitos have been found in Florida.

Image courtesy of the Center for Disease Control & Prevention 

The infection can also spread from sexual relations as well as an infected pregnant woman passing it to her fetus.

Zika symptoms and health affects

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the symptoms from Zika are mild. The symptoms include:

·         Fever

·         Rash

·         Joint pain

·         Conjunctivitis

·         Headache

·         Muscle pain

There is no specific medicine for Zika, simply treating the symptoms; which typically dissipate after a week or so. So what is all the fuss about? Since the Brazil outbreak, there has been a huge increase in the number of babies born with microcephaly (abnormal small brain and small heads), as well as other fetal brain defects. Experts are now conclusively linking this to the Zika outbreak.

Can my dog or cat get Zika?

Photo credit: ArTeTeTra on Flickr 

At this time, the CDC states that there is no evidence that suggests that animals have been involved in the spread of the Zika virus and there are no reports of pets or other animals contracting the disease. Unfortunately, there is not enough research to make this a conclusive answer.

Is there a Zika vaccine?

Currently there is no vaccine for the Zika virus. However, the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy recently released their findings from animal studies that proves hopeful for a vaccine. The FDA recently cleared the launch for a human vaccine study. The results from the study are expected to be released at the end of the year.

How can I protect myself and my pets from getting Zika?

The best way to protect yourself and your pets is to combat the breeding of the mosquitos themselves. The Health & Human Services Agency of San Diego gives the following advice:

The public should continue to remember the “Prevent, Protect, Report” slogan that has guided the County’s fight against the West Nile virus.

Prevent mosquito breeding sites. Every week, dump out and clean containers that hold water inside and outside homes. Fill plant saucers with sand or fine gravel so water won’t form pools where mosquitos can breed.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites. Wear long sleeves and pants when outdoors. Use insect repellant, preferably one containing DEET. Make sure the screens on your windows and doors are in good condition, do not have holes or tears, and are secured to keep insects out.

Photos courtesy of NBC San Diego & Times of San Diego

Report if you are being bitten by mosquitos during daylight hours, or if you find mosquitos that match the description of the yellow-fever mosquito or Asian tiger mosquito.

 

For the latest updates about the Zika virus go here.

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