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Zika Virus Confirmed In Second Arkansan

LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) — The second case of Zika virus in an Arkansas citizen has been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according ...
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LITTLE ROCK (KFSM) — The second case of Zika virus in an Arkansas citizen has been confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, according to a press release.

The individual visited Central America recently, where they contracted a mild case of Zika, the release states.

The first Arkansan to test positive for the virus was on Jan. 25. They also got the virus when they traveled out of the country.

Zika virus is a relatively new disease for the Western hemisphere. It first appeared in Brazil in May of 2015 and has since spread to 20 countries in Central and South America and the Caribbean. The virus is spread through mosquito bites.

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red, itchy eyes. Symptoms are usually mild and last several days to a week. Many people who have Zika will not experience symptoms. Currently there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.

Pregnant women are most at risk for complications due to the Zika virus, because it’s been associated with serious birth defects in children born to women who are infected with the virus.

The CDC suggests the following tips for anyone traveling to countries where Zika is present:

  • Using an insect repellant containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535 or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and trousers.
  • Using air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Reducing the number of mosquitoes inside and outside your home by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets and then covering those receptacles. Mosquitoes can breed in as little amount of water as a bottle cap.

 

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