North Dakota Ag Connection - Bring Home Memories, Not Zika, If Attending Olympics

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Bring Home Memories, Not Zika, If Attending Olympics
North Dakota Ag Connection - 07/26/2016

With the Summer Olympic Games fast approaching, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) reminds attendees that Brazil is an active Zika transmission area and caution is required to prevent acquiring Zika virus disease. The NDDoH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that pregnant women do not travel to Brazil because of the risk Zika poses to the fetus. Both men and women, particularly those of child-bearing age, who do travel must be diligent about avoiding mosquito bites.

"We encourage anyone planning travel to a Zika transmission area to consult with their healthcare provider before traveling, and to seek care if they have any symptoms of illness within two weeks of returning from travel," according to Laura Cronquist, an epidemiologist with the NDDoH. "It is always important for your health provider to know whether you will or have had any out-of-country travel."

The best ways to avoid mosquito bites are to stay in lodging that has air conditioning or screens on the windows, wear appropriate clothing, and use an EPA-registered insect repellent, being careful to follow the label instructions.

For more information, call 1-800-472-218 or 701-328-2378. Information is also available at the CDC website at wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices/alert/2016-summer-olympics-rio.

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