With spring break coming up, IU Health Center Medical Director Diana Ebling said she advises students to take precautions when traveling overseas to affected countries in Central and South America.
The mosquito-borne illness, Zika, which is known to cause significant birth defects in the children of pregnant victims, can be sexually transmitted or caused by mosquito bites.
No existing vaccine counters the Zika virus. Eighty percent of the people inflicted with the disease will not display any serious symptoms.
“Zika virus can be spread by a man to his sex partners,” Ebling said. “If a pregnant woman travels to one of these countries, they are advised to use condoms for the remainder of the pregnancy. No one knows how long the virus remains in semen after infection.”
Ebling said she recommends pregnant students avoid travel to the afflicted nations altogether. She also said if students display symptoms of fever, joint or muscle pain, rashes or pink eye within two weeks of traveling overseas, they should consult a health care provider immediately.
“If students are concerned about getting Zika from a male sex partner who has traveled to one of the affected countries, they should use a condom,” Ebling said. “Condoms also help to prevent other STDs, including HIV.”
The Zika pathogen was first isolated in a human in 1952. Since 2007, islands in the Pacific area have seen several outbreaks of the disease, and the first case in the Americas was reported in 2015.
The World Health Organization declared a public emergency of international concern Feb. 1 due to the outbreak of disorders occurring in areas where Zika is common.
Sophomore Winston Winkler is traveling to Esteli, Nicaragua, during spring break as part of a water brigade through Global Brigades, an organization concerned with the sustainability and living conditions of developing nations.
“Before the trip, I received a hepatitis A vaccine, and I’ve started taking malarone to prevent malaria,” Winkler said. “For the Zika virus, I’ve bought bug spray for the mosquitoes but don’t plan on doing much else.”
Winkler said he doesn’t have any strong fears or concerns regarding his health before his trip to Nicaragua, but he said students should certainly make sure to receive all necessary vaccines for other diseases before their departures.
Since there is no known vaccine for the Zika virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends taking preventative measures to minimize risk. They recommend wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, staying in well-screened areas and sleeping under a mosquito bed net.
“The Health Center pharmacy carries mosquito repellents for skin and clothing,” Ebling said. “We encourage all students traveling to affected areas to be sure to obtain this before traveling.”
Ebling said providers in the medical clinic in the Health Center have been educating students about mosquito-borne illnesses but most students have not come to them with concerns.
Zika is not the only health risk for student travelers, Ebling said. Mosquitoes in afflicted areas can also spread malaria and the dengue and chikungunya viruses.
“If students require vaccinations based on their travel destination, they should make an appointment in our travel clinic,” Ebling said. “The nurses that staff the travel clinic are getting quite a few questions regarding Zika and routinely provide information to students traveling to affected areas.”
