Framingham Health Issues Alert for Travel Abroad Due To Zika Virus

Press release from the Town of Framingham

FRAMINGHAM, MA - The Framingham Health Department is alerting residents of the potential to contract Zika virus while traveling abroad. People contract the Zika virus mainly through mosquito bites.

Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America, including Brazil.

Zika virus has not been found in any mosquitoes in the United States and the types of mosquitoes that are known to carry Zika virus are generally not found in Massachusetts.

At this time, it is extremely unlikely that someone would become infected with Zika virus from a mosquito bite in
Massachusetts.

However, travelers to affected areas may be bitten by infected mosquitoes during their trip and could be diagnosed with Zika virus when they return to the United States.

You cannot contract Zika virus from people. It is not spread from person to person. It is only spread through the bite of an infected mosquito and currently only in Most people infected with Zika virus do not even get sick, however, in pregnant women who become infected with Zika virus; it is possible for the virus to spread to the unborn baby. There is concern that when this happens, it can sometimes result in a birth defect that causes abnormal brain and head development (microcephaly). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is currently advising pregnant women to avoid travel to countries where the Zika virus is circulating. Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and take great care to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

Mosquito prevention strategies, recommended for all travelers to an area with transmission, include:

• wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants

• using a repellent with DEET, permethrin, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus according to the

instructions on the product label

• using permethrin-treated clothing and gear

• staying and sleeping in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms

When used as directed on the product label, insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, and IR3535 are safe for pregnant women. More information about choosing and using repellents safely can be found on the Massachusetts
Department of Public Health’s (MDPH) Mosquito Repellents fact sheet which can be viewed online at

Sexual transmission of Zika virus from infected men is rare, but possible. Therefore, until more is known, men who
reside in or have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission who have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or consistently and correctly use condoms during any sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy.

The Framingham Health Department will continue to follow information on the Zika virus and is posting all related Public Advisories from the MDPH on our website at www.framinghamma.gov.

Additional information from the CDC on Zika virus, including travel advisories, can be found online at www.cdc.gov/zika.