'Don't Panic': Morris Health Officials Talk Zika Virus Signs, Symptoms

MORRISTOWN, N.J. – At an information session in Morristown Wednesday health officials presented the county board of Freeholders with facts about the mosquito-carried Zika Virus.

While New Jersey has seen one case of the Zika Virus, Morris County has not had any reports, Morris County Health Officer Carlos Perez and Mosquito Control Administrator Kris McMorland said.

The duo urged the public not to panic about the virus, but to also seek information from government health agencies.

“Most important, it is necessary to understand that this is a very fluid situation, with new facts emerging on Zika every day, so it’s important to use reliable sources for information, such as the (federal) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), state Department of Health, and county and municipal health departments,’’ said Perez.

Infected mosquitoes remain the primary source of Zika virus transmission while other modes of transmission like sexual contact are being investigated. Zika has also been detected in human urine and saliva, but there is no evidence of transmission through those bodily fluids, the officials said.

Zika cannot be spread via casual contact.

Pregnant women are strongly encouraged to heed travel advisories, officials said, as the virus has been linked to a condition that may have caused brain damage and small heads in newborns in Brazil.

Common symptoms of the Zika virus include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. The symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

“The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week,” officials said. “Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.”

Currently there is no vaccine or treatment for the virus and anyone who suspects they’ve contracted Zika should contact their physician immediately.

Mosquito crews in Morris County are working this winter to target and clear out potential mosquito breeding grounds. Learn how to eliminate standing water and breeding spots for mosquitoes by clicking here.