ZIKA VIRUS
Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.
Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Zika outbreaks have probably occurred in many locations. Before 2007, at least 14 cases of Zika had been documented, although other cases were likely to have occurred and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil and on Feb 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has been reported in many other countries and territories. Zika virus likely will continue to spread to new areas.
Specific areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. If traveling, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health site for the most updated travel information.
Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus and has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant. Other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth, such as absent or poorly developed brain structures, defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth. CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant should not travel to areas with Zika. If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites
Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Active Ingredient Choices:
DEET Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, Autan (outside the United States)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) Repel
IR3535 Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition, SkinSmart *
Insect repellent brand names are provided for your information only.
Natural insect repellents (repellents not registered with EPA) Š The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural repellents, is not known. Š To protect yourself against diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent. Š When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective. Š For more information: www2.epa.gov/insect-repellents
If you have a baby or child Š
Treat clothing and gear Š
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What is Ebola?
Ebola is a virus that causes problems with how your blood clots. It is known as a
hemorrhagic fever virus because the clotting problems lead to internal bleeding. The virus
also causes inflammation and tissue damage.
How is Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads when someone touches the body fluids of a sick person. It is also spread
by touching things that have been contaminated with bodily fluids.
The Ebola virus cannot survive outside the body for more than a few hours, and it can
only survive in water for a few minutes. The virus does not spread through food or water.
Who is at risk for Ebola?
You may be at risk for infection if:
• You have been to a place where people have been sick with Ebola or where animals
may carry Ebola.
• You were in a place where Ebola patients were being treated and had contact with
them.
• You have touched body fluids from a person with Ebola.
• You have touched sheets, towels, clothes, personal objects or other items that had
contact with a person with Ebola.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can begin from 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus.
• Early symptoms are similar to flu symptoms and can include:
− Fever of 100.4 °F or higher
− Fatigue or extreme tiredness
− Muscle aches
− Severe headache
• Later symptoms might include:
− Vomiting
− Diarrhea
− Stomach pain
− Rash
− Less urine or no urine
− Internal bleeding – You might notice unusual bleeding or bruising.
− External bleeding
What is the treatment for Ebola?
Ebola is hard to treat and can be fatal. Treatment might include:
• Intravenous (I.V.) fluids to help keep the body hydrated
• Oxygen or assisted ventilation to support breathing
• Dialysis to help clear waste from the blood
• Medicines that help:
− To make blood clot.
− To increase blood pressure that is too low.
How widespread is Ebola?
• The spread of Ebola is a rapidly changing situation.
• Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have widespread Ebola transmission.
• The affected West African countries have very limited access to trained health care
professionals and health systems.
How could the Ebola outbreak impact Atlanta Academy?
• The Atlanta Academy is in contact with the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we are following all their recommendations.
• We are considered very low risk at this time. If a child or family member travels to a high-risk area, their return to school will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with their personal physician.
Who can I contact if I’m worried that my child has Ebola?
Please contact your primary care physician if you have concerns. Your primary care
doctor has access to the Georgia Department of Public Health, who can support
screening and treatment for your child.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/ebola.
Thanks to CHOA for reference material and fact sheet
Zika virus disease (Zika) is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.
Zika virus was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Zika outbreaks have probably occurred in many locations. Before 2007, at least 14 cases of Zika had been documented, although other cases were likely to have occurred and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil and on Feb 1, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Zika virus a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC). Local transmission has been reported in many other countries and territories. Zika virus likely will continue to spread to new areas.
Specific areas with ongoing Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. If traveling, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health site for the most updated travel information.
Zika virus can be spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus and has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant. Other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth, such as absent or poorly developed brain structures, defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth. CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Women who are pregnant should not travel to areas with Zika. If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites
Use an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent with one of the following active ingredients. When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Active Ingredient Choices:
DEET Off!, Cutter, Sawyer, Ultrathon Picaridin, also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, Autan (outside the United States)
Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD) Repel
IR3535 Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition, SkinSmart *
Insect repellent brand names are provided for your information only.
- ŠAlways follow the product label instructions. Š
- Reapply insect repellent every few hours, depending on which product and strength you choose.
- Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
Natural insect repellents (repellents not registered with EPA) Š The effectiveness of non-EPA registered insect repellents, including some natural repellents, is not known. Š To protect yourself against diseases like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika, CDC and EPA recommend using an EPA-registered insect repellent. Š When used as directed, EPA-registered insect repellents are proven safe and effective. Š For more information: www2.epa.gov/insect-repellents
If you have a baby or child Š
- Always follow instructions when applying insect repellent to children. Š
- Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. Š
- Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or Š
- Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Š
- Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face. Š
- Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthanediol (PMD) on children under 3 years of age.
Treat clothing and gear Š
- Treat items such as boots, pants, socks, and tents with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
- Permethrin-treated clothing will protect you after multiple washings. See product information to find out how long the protection will last.
- If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions.
- Do not use permethrin products directly on skin. Mosquito-proof your home Š Use screens on windows and doors. Repair holes in screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Š Use air conditioning when available. Š Keep mosquitoes from laying eggs in and near standing water.
- Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water, such as tires, buckets, planters, toys, pools, birdbaths, flowerpots, or trash containers. Check inside and outside your home.
www.cdc.gov/features/StopMosquitoes
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
What is Ebola?
Ebola is a virus that causes problems with how your blood clots. It is known as a
hemorrhagic fever virus because the clotting problems lead to internal bleeding. The virus
also causes inflammation and tissue damage.
How is Ebola spread?
Ebola spreads when someone touches the body fluids of a sick person. It is also spread
by touching things that have been contaminated with bodily fluids.
The Ebola virus cannot survive outside the body for more than a few hours, and it can
only survive in water for a few minutes. The virus does not spread through food or water.
Who is at risk for Ebola?
You may be at risk for infection if:
• You have been to a place where people have been sick with Ebola or where animals
may carry Ebola.
• You were in a place where Ebola patients were being treated and had contact with
them.
• You have touched body fluids from a person with Ebola.
• You have touched sheets, towels, clothes, personal objects or other items that had
contact with a person with Ebola.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms can begin from 2 to 21 days after being infected with the virus.
• Early symptoms are similar to flu symptoms and can include:
− Fever of 100.4 °F or higher
− Fatigue or extreme tiredness
− Muscle aches
− Severe headache
• Later symptoms might include:
− Vomiting
− Diarrhea
− Stomach pain
− Rash
− Less urine or no urine
− Internal bleeding – You might notice unusual bleeding or bruising.
− External bleeding
What is the treatment for Ebola?
Ebola is hard to treat and can be fatal. Treatment might include:
• Intravenous (I.V.) fluids to help keep the body hydrated
• Oxygen or assisted ventilation to support breathing
• Dialysis to help clear waste from the blood
• Medicines that help:
− To make blood clot.
− To increase blood pressure that is too low.
How widespread is Ebola?
• The spread of Ebola is a rapidly changing situation.
• Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone have widespread Ebola transmission.
• The affected West African countries have very limited access to trained health care
professionals and health systems.
How could the Ebola outbreak impact Atlanta Academy?
• The Atlanta Academy is in contact with the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta, the Georgia Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and we are following all their recommendations.
• We are considered very low risk at this time. If a child or family member travels to a high-risk area, their return to school will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in conjunction with their personal physician.
Who can I contact if I’m worried that my child has Ebola?
Please contact your primary care physician if you have concerns. Your primary care
doctor has access to the Georgia Department of Public Health, who can support
screening and treatment for your child.
For more information, visit cdc.gov/ebola.
Thanks to CHOA for reference material and fact sheet
