First Rhode Island Zika Virus Case Reported

RHODE ISLAND—State officials announced Tuesday that the first confirmed case of Zika virus has been detected in the state.

The Rhode Island Department of Health said in a Tuesday press release that the first confirmed case is a man in his 60s who had recently traveled to Haiti, where "there is active mosquito-born transmission of Zika."

"We have been closely monitoring the Zika situation internationally and have been coordinating with Rhode Island healthcare providers for months. We were fully prepared for this first case,” said Director of Health Nicole Alexander-Scott. “While the risk to the public is very low, we are coordinating with doctors, especially those who work with pregnant women, on how best to identify symptoms and educate patients about prevention.”

To anticipate the arrival of the Zika virus, officials established a Zika Task Force including fetal medicine specialists from Women & Infants Hospital and have been issuing regular briefs to healthcare providers with the latest guidance for information on symptoms and specimen collection, the health department said.

Zika can be transmitted sexually but it is primarily spread through mosquito bites.

Alexander-Scott said that the mosquito that spreads the virus is not native to Rhode Island which means locally-acquired cases are not expected.

But "Rhode Islanders who are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to countries where there is active transmission of the virus," she said.

From the Department of Health:

In January, RIDOH first alerted healthcare providers to consider Zika virus in symptomatic patients who had recently traveled to areas with active mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission. Since February 1, 2016, RIDOH has been submitting specimens to CDC for testing. The Rhode Island State Health Laboratories are currently developing the capacity to test for Zika virus in accordance with CDC protocols.

To prevent exposure to Zika and other mosquito-borne diseases, especially while traveling to areas with active mosquito-borne Zika transmission, people should:

• Use and reapply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-approved bug spray containing at least 20% DEET.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear.
• Stay in buildings that use air conditioning, or have window and door screens.
• Sleep under a mosquito net.

According to the CDC, Massachusetts has had 7 similar travel-associated cases, and Connecticut has had 1. More information about Zika virus disease is available at the Department of Health’s website. A list of countries with active-transmission is available on the RIDOH’s website. They are primarily in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Most people who get the Zika virus don't even show symptoms, but a woman who is pregnant can pass the virus to her unborn baby. Government scientists reported Wednesday they have determined that the Zika virus causes severe defects in unborn children, including microcephaly, which leaves babies with abnormally small heads and often with brains that do not develop properly.

While researchers learn more about the risk of Zika virus infection during pregnancy, CDC is advising pregnant women to avoid travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women and women who are trying to become pregnant or thinking about becoming pregnant should talk to their health care provider before traveling to Zika-affected areas and follow steps to prevent mosquito bites while traveling.