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Zika Virus

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Zika virus is a flavivirus that is primarily transmitted via the bite of Aedes mosquitoes, similar to dengue virus or chikungunya virus. The virus can also spread through blood transfusions and unprotected sexual contact with an infected person. Zika virus infection during pregnancy has been linked to microcephaly and other birth defects. The CDC recommends pregnant women postpone travel to any area with active Zika virus transmission.

Zika virus symptoms may include fever, red and irritated eyes, rash, joint and muscle aches, and headache. Most people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms, but if symptoms occur, they typically appear 2-7 days after being infected. Currently, no vaccine or drug is available to prevent Zika virus infection, and there is no specific treatment for the disease. The best way to prevent infection is through mosquito bite prevention and safe sex practices.

 

Your cognizant NEPMU is available to answer any questions about Zika virus or other medical events. NEPMU staff can assist with investigation support, risk assessment, vector control measures, and obtaining definitive laboratory testing.

NAVADMIN: Zika Virus Risk Mitigation: Information for Commanders on travel precautions and mitigation measures for Zika virus.

MARADMIN: Zika Virus Force Health Protection: Guidance for Marine Corps personnel deploying to, operating in, or redeploying from Zika virus affected areas.

Zika in the Americas

In May 2015, PAHO issued an Epidemiologic Alert regarding the potential spread of Zika virus given an investigation of local Zika transmission in Brazil. Since that time, local transmission of Zika has continued to spread throughout Brazil and the Americas. On 1 February 2016, WHO declared the cluster of microcephaly cases and other neurologic disorders in areas affected by Zika virus to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC). To date, WHO has not recommended any restrictions on travel or trade with countries with Zika virus transmission.

Zika Epidemiological Alerts and Updates (PAHO): Timely updates on the Zika virus outbreak in the Americas.

Countries and Territories with Local Zika Transmission in the Americas (PAHO): Weekly update of countries and territories with confirmed cases of local Zika virus transmission in the Americas.

Declaration of a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (WHO) : Statement from the International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Zika virus and observed increase in neurological disorders and congenital anomalies.

CDC Zika Action Plan Summit: On 1 April 2016, the CDC held a Zika Action Plan (ZAP) Summit for state and local health departments to provide information and tools for improving Zika preparedness and response and developing Zika action plans. The recordings and slides for presentations from the summit are now available. Topics include preparing and responding to Zika virus, control of mosquito-borne illnesses, and risk communication.

 

Information for Preventive Medicine Personnel

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Navy and Marine Corps units providing patient care should report probable and confirmed Zika cases via Disease Reporting System-internet (DRSi) as “Any Other Unusual Condition Not Specified.” The report should include information on travel/deployment history, laboratory testing, and pregnancy status (if applicable). Timely reporting is essential to enabling rapid implementation of control measures.

Detecting and Reporting DoD Cases of Acute Zika Virus Disease (AFHSB): Includes case definitions for reporting probable and confirmed Zika cases, as well as guidance for clinical diagnostic testing.

Medical Event Reporting (NMCPHC) : Policy and guidance for medical event reporting in the Navy and Marine Corps.

DRSi Webpage (NMCPHC) : Request an account for the Disease Reporting System internet (DRSi) and access training resources.

If a Zika case is suspected, the PHEO as well as the cognizant NEPMU should be notified. MTFs should remain aware of state reporting requirements for Zika.

Zika Travel Notices (CDC) : Updated travel notices for countries affected by Zika virus.

Zika Diagnostic Testing (NIDDL): Information on Zika virus testing criteria and specimen submission guidelines. Zika diagnostic testing is now available in the Navy through the Naval Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (NIDDL) or the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC). This may provide faster results than sending samples to the CDC for testing, though diagnostic testing is still available through CDC or state laboratories. Zika virus infection cannot be easily confirmed through Zika-specific laboratory testing alone, as there is cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses like dengue. PCR testing avoids this cross-reactivity. False positives are also possible in patients who have been vaccinated against yellow fever and/or Japanese encephalitis.

Interim Guidelines for Interpretation of Zika Virus Antibody Test Results (CDC): Provides recommendations for Zika virus antibody testing and interpretation of results. This guidance updates the timing of IgM antibody testing and the thresholds for the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).

Interim Guidelines for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus (CDC): Provides recommendations for men and women who have lived in or traveled to areas with active Zika transmission and their sex partners.

MTFs play an integral part in installation pest control programs. Preventive medicine personnel should be aware of installation and local community vector control activities and whether the local area has vectors capable of spreading Zika. Work with installation and civilian authorities to facilitate efficient detection of Zika vectors.

Zika Virus Webpage (CDC): provides a number of resources about Zika virus including information on Zika-affected areas, transmission, prevention, fact sheets, and clinical guidelines for pregnant woman and for testing of infants.

NMCPHC hosts monthly disease surveillance trainings on the last Tuesday of every month that are designed to provide refresher training to local public health staff. The February 2016 topic was “Zika Virus”. Contact the DRSi helpdesk for more information, or visit the Monthly Disease Surveillance Training page for recordings and slides for past presentations.

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Information for Installation and Operational Vector Control and Pest Management

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The best way to prevent Zika virus infection is to avoid and prevent mosquito bites. Installation vector surveillance activities play an integral role in managing and controlling the vector population. Vector surveillance measures for dengue and chikungunya-transmitting mosquitoes are also effective for Zika vectors, as these diseases are transmitted primarily by the Aedes mosquitoes which often bite during daytime hours.

Per OPNAVINST 6250.4C, all installations should have a pest management plan that includes an emergency vector control plan. These plans should be reviewed and updated annually. Contact your cognizant NEPMU or NECE if you need assistance.

The distribution range in the US for mosquitoes capable of transmitting Zika virus is primarily in the southeast and south central states, Hawaii, and in some parts of the southwestern states. There are also a number of installations located outside the US where Zika vectors could occur. Installations in these areas should consider whether they have the capability to conduct surveillance for and identify Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. For installations at risk for these species or where these species are already present, pest management plans should include Aedes-specific surveillance and subsequent control mechanisms.

Training on Aedes surveillance and control techniques is available. Contact your cognizant NEPMU or NECE for more information.

Aedes Surveillance and Control Plan for US Navy and Marine Corps Installations (NMCPHC) : General guidance concerning surveillance and control of Aedes spp. mosquitoes – the primary vectors for dengue, chikungunya virus, and Zika virus.

Indoor Residual Sprays for Malaria & Dengue Prevention During Military Operations (NECE): Information and procedures for conducting indoor residual spraying against Anopheles and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which readily bite indoors.

Mosquito Info Door Hanger (NMCPHC): Aedes mosquito control door hanger that can be customized with local contact information before printing and distributing.

Mosquito Control Pamphlet (NMCPHC): Aedes mosquito control pamphlet that can be customized with local contact information before printing and distributing.

CDC Bottle Bioassay for Detecting Insecticide Resistance: Guidelines on how to perform and interpret the CDC bottle bioassay. The Navy Installation Zika Action Plan recommends that, in the case of confirmed local transmission, MTF staff be trained on CDC bottle bioassay techniques and what triggers are required to initiate testing.

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Information for Healthcare Providers

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Healthcare providers should consider Zika in patients with acute onset of fever also presenting with rash, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis, particularly if there is an epidemiologic link to a Zika-affected area or a confirmed Zika case. Providers should notify the PHEO and Preventive Medicine department of any cases for whom clinical specimens will be submitted for Zika testing, as this information is being tracked and collated for reporting up to the SECNAV level.

Zika Virus Information for Department of Defense Medical Personnel (ASD(HA) Memorandum): Guidance for DoD medical and force health protection personnel regarding prevention, diagnoses, and treatment of Zika virus infection.

Zika Diagnostic Testing (NIDDL): Information on Zika virus testing criteria and specimen submission guidelines. Zika diagnostic testing is now available in the Navy through the Naval Infectious Diseases Diagnostic Laboratory (NIDDL) or the Naval Health Research Center (NHRC). This may provide faster results than sending samples to the CDC for testing, though diagnostic testing is still available through CDC or state laboratories. Zika virus infection cannot be easily confirmed through laboratory testing, as there is cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses such as dengue virus. PCR testing avoids this cross-reactivity. False positives are also possible in patients who have been vaccinated against yellow fever and/or Japanese encephalitis.

Interim Guidelines for Interpretation of Zika Virus Antibody Test Results (CDC): Provides recommendations for Zika virus antibody testing and interpretation of results. This guidance updates the timing of IgM antibody testing and the thresholds for the plaque reduction neutralization test (PRNT).

Interim Guidance for Health Care Providers Caring for Women of Reproductive Age with Possible Zika Virus Exposure (CDC): Guidance on counseling patients regarding timing of pregnancy following possible Zika virus exposure and diagnosis of Zika virus disease.

Guidelines for Healthcare Providers Caring for Pregnant Women During a Zika Virus Outbreak (CDC) : Recommendations for pregnant women considering travel to an area with Zika virus transmission and for screening, testing, and management of pregnant returning travelers.

Guidelines for Healthcare Providers Caring for Infants and Children with Possible Zika Virus Infection : Recommendations for the testing and management of infants born to mothers who traveled to or resided in an area with Zika virus transmission during pregnancy.

Interim Guidelines for Prevention of Sexual Transmission of Zika Virus (CDC): Possible sexual transmission of Zika virus has been reported. As a precaution, CDC has provided recommendations for men who have lived in or traveled to areas with active Zika transmission and their sex partners.

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Information for Navy and Marine Corps Personnel and Their Families

Smiley face The vast majority of Zika virus infections occur from the bite of an infected mosquito. Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families are at risk for Zika virus infection when traveling to and residing in areas experiencing ongoing Zika virus transmission. In collaboration with civilian public health authorities, the Navy and Marine Corps are working to institute measures to significantly reduce the chances of Zika spread on Navy and Marine Corps installations through mosquito control programs. An effective control strategy also relies in the vigilance of Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families, which includes taking the following steps:

  • Eliminate mosquito breeding sites (standing water) in and around the home. This can include flower pots and other containers, pet dishes, and children’s toys.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites by:
    • Wearing long-sleeved, light colored shirts and pants
    • Applying repellent to exposed skin
    • Avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito activity (dawn and dusk)
  • Refrain from sex or use a condom if your partner has traveled to or resides in an area with ongoing Zika transmission area.
  • Communicate with your doctor if you plan to travel to a Zika transmission area and are pregnant or trying to become pregnant.

Zika Information Sheet for Navy and Marine Corps Beneficiaries (NMCPHC) : General information about Zika virus for all beneficiaries, including how to prevent infection and what to do if Zika virus infection is suspected.

Zika Brochure for Navy and Marine Corps Beneficiaries (NMCPHC): A tri-fold brochure providing information about Zika virus for all beneficiaries.

Insect Skin Repellents (NECE): List of topical repellents including military-approved repellents.

Find the Insect Repellent that is Right for You (EPA): Additional EPA-approved insect repellents that are commercially available.

Is Your Uniform Protecting You? (NECE) : Basic facts about permethrin-treated uniforms.

Protecting Yourself and Home from Mosquitoes (NECE) : Basic steps from NECE on how to protect against mosquitoes.

FAQ: Zika and Pregnancy (PAHO) : Questions and answers about Zika and pregnancy, for the general public.

Zika Travel Notices (CDC) : Updated travel notices for countries affected by Zika virus.

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