Spring Break and Zika virus update from Health Services
As Spring Break approaches, Saint Leo’s Health and Wellness Center wants to remind students, faculty, and staff, who are traveling during their time off, about necessary precautions against the Zika virus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has posted Travel Alerts for people visiting Central America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, South America, Cape Verde, and Mexico. Due to the potential association of Zika infection with the development of microcephaly and other severe neurologic disorders in newborns, the CDC recommended that pregnant women, or women who are trying to become pregnant, consider postponing travel to areas with Zika virus transmission. If postponing travel is not possible, then follow your doctor’s advice and be aware of the following information from the CDC:
● The primary risk for acquiring Zika virus in locations of active transmission depends on the duration and extent of exposure to infected mosquitoes.
● There is evidence of sexual transmission of the virus due to unprotected sexual contact with a symptomatic male partner who resides in or has traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission.
● Sexual transmission of Zika virus from infected women to their sexual partners has not been documented, nor has transmission from people who are asymptomatically infected.
There are two primary recommendations for travelers visiting locations with ongoing Zika virus transmission:
- Take appropriate measures to reduce exposure to mosquito bites, which are explained in detail by the CDC.
- Consider abstaining from sexual activity, or use condoms. It is also prudent for women of child bearing age to consider the use of contraception methods while traveling.
There are also several recommendations for travelers returning from areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission:
- If within two weeks of your return you experience any two of the following: fever, rash, conjunctivitis (pink eye), or joint pain, contact your doctor to consider being tested for acute Zika infection.
- 2. Men, even if they did not experience symptoms suggesting Zika infection, should abstain from sexual activity or use condoms during sex for a period of at least three weeks.
- Couples planning to become pregnant upon their return should consult with their physician.
- Take appropriate measures to reduce exposure to mosquito bites for three weeks.
This information is provided as guidance for all university staff, faculty, and students who are strongly encouraged to observe the CDC’s recommendations on travel. As more information about the Zika virus becomes available, we will continue to provide updates. Members of the SLU community can also contact the Student Health and Wellness Center at (352) 588-8347, or contact Terry Dadez, director of health services, at teresa.dadez@saintleo.edu.
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