Baby With Zika-Related Microcephaly In San Diego County Prompts Travel Advisory

SAN DIEGO, CA — The recent birth of a baby in San Diego County who has the birth defect microcephaly, has prompted the County of San Diego Communications Office to urge pregnant women, women who could become pregnant and couples considering pregnancy to avoid traveling to areas with known Zika transmission.

According to a press release, the mother had been infected with the Zika virus while traveling in a foreign country where the virus is common.

“Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites and speak with a health care provider upon return,” said Wilma Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., County public health officer.

Children born with microcephaly have a head and brain which are smaller than normal. These children also suffer from developmental, neurological and other related health problems.

According to the HHSA Zika website, there have been 87 travel-associated cases of Zika infection among San Diego County residents as of March 24; no local mosquito transmitted cases of Zika have occurred in California.

Sexually active adults who travel to areas with Zika transmission should use condoms to avoid getting or passing Zika as the virus can be passed along through sexual contact.

For a list list of countries and territories with known Zika transmission visit the CDC Zika Travel Information website.

The County of San Diego Communications Office advises people visiting these areas to take the following steps to avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol for long-lasting protection while traveling and for one week after returning home. If using sunscreen and insect repellent, apply sunscreen first and then the repellent. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding should use an EPA-registered insect repellent according to the product label. Do not use insect repellent on infants less than two months of age.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Use air conditioning and keep windows closed if possible. If windows and doors are open, make sure screens are in good condition with no holes or tears. If mosquitoes can come indoors, sleep under a bed net.
• Reduce the number of mosquitoes outside by emptying standing water from containers, such as flowerpots and buckets.

For more information on protecting yourself and your family against mosquitoes at the Fight the Bite website.

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