As the district nurse for Varnett Public School, I felt the need to inform our community about the Zika virus.
This virus spreads to people through mosquito bites and sexual contact. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.
In response, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued travel notices for people traveling to regions and certain countries where the Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
If you have any medical concerns/questions please contact your doctor/clinic. This information has been brought to you as a concern and not to alarm anyone. Let's take the necessary precautions and be safe.
This report is based on information from the CDC.
