Zika Virus: Free Lab Testing for New Yorkers With Symptoms

By PAIGE MCATEE

New York State Department of Health will offer free advanced lab testing for people who are experiencing symptoms of the “explosively spreading” Zika virus, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced Monday.

Cuomo says he has directed the Department of Health to work closely with local health departments and healthcare providers across the state so they will be informed of the latest Zika virus details.

New Yorkers, especially pregnant women, who have traveled to any of the countries where the Zika virus outbreak is ongoing are urged to stay informed and consult their healthcare professionals if they develop symptoms.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports there are outbreaks in approximately 28 countries and territories, including countries in Central and South America, the Oceania/Pacific Islands and Africa. See the full list here.

There have been nine positives cases of Zika virus infection among New Yorkers. Three positive Zika virus cases were reported in New York City as of Tuesday. Every person who was infected recently returned from one of the affected countries.

“Clearly we are most concerned about providing testing for pregnant women, which will provide them and their doctors with the information they need to make the right healthcare decisions,” DOH Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said in a press release. “The testing will also give scientists a better understanding of the Zika virus, for which little data currently exists.”

Pregnant women contracting the virus is a concern due to the virus’ suspected connection to the condition microcephaly that can cause babies to be born with small heads and damaged brains, according to the New York Times.

The Times reported the World Health Organization declared the Zika virus and its possible connection to microcephaly an international public health emergency on Monday, which will provide the affected countries with new tools to fight the virus.

“Protecting the health of this state and its residents is this administration’s highest priority,” Cuomo said. “We’re working closely with the CDC and local health departments to address potential cases of Zika virus, and by offering free testing we are helping to stay ahead of this disease and protect the public health.”

The advanced lab testing will be done by the Wadsworth Center in New York City, which is one of three state laboratories in the nation that can conduct this type of testing. The testing will include screening and confirmatory tests for antibodies against Zika and other related viruses.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. The best way to avoid Zika virus infection, which cannot be spread by casual person-to-person contact, is to prevent mosquito bites. Four in five people who acquire Zika infection may have no symptoms. Illness from Zika is usually mild and does not require hospitalization.

Some symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain and headaches. For a full list of symptoms from the CDC, go here.

New York State expects there to be many travel-related cases of people with Zika virus infection living in and seeking care in New York. The WHO has estimated there could be 3-4 million cases of the Zika virus over the next year.

To reduce travel-related cases, the CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to the areas where Zika virus outbreak is taking place.

Want additional Zika virus information? New York has launched a new hotline (1-888-364-4723) so New Yorkers to call and learn more about the virus.