Churchill County Board of Health
December 6, 2016- RELEASE
Run Date - December 6, 2016-January 6, 2017
Precautions against Zika virus in Churchill County, Nevada
There has been a lot of news over the last year about Zika virus and rightfully so as this is a virus
that has come to the forefront as a global concern. This arbovirus, compared to many others
such as malaria, dengue, and West Nile virus, is relatively new to South America and the United
States.
Zika virus is currently being transmitted by two types of mosquitoes. They are referred to as
the "vectors" of the virus. These are Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes
are not indigenous to Churchill County or Northern Nevada. Whereas we are not finding these
two species of mosquitoes in Churchill County, we will be looking for them through the use of
traps specifically focused on attracting Aedes species of mosquitoes. This effort is being done
across the United States and all mosquito control entities are working together in this effort.
Communication is paramount in our work and updated data is constantly being submitted,
organized and disseminated through the CDC (Center for Disease Control) regarding
surveillance, locations and densities of these species of mosquitoes.
These mosquitoes are present in more tropical environments and are more of a problem in
more urban areas as they lay their eggs in small water containers, such as over-watered potted
plants, buckets, and spare or unused tires that collect rainwater. Many times these container
type mosquito breeding sites are near human dwellings and overlooked for control. We are
beginning to see Zika virus problems in Florida, in these types of urban areas. Mosquitoes
however, do not respect state boundaries so we may see the problem in other states in the
Southeastern U.S, Texas, Arizona and California. These mosquitoes have been collected in
these areas. For that matter, surveillance for these mosquitoes has been increased across the
United States and this effort will continue with increased determination.
Another concern with this virus is "travel-associated" transmission of the virus. During the
Olympics, travelers were warned about transmission of the virus in Brazil. It was just a matter
of time before it was a reality in the United States however, now there can be "travel­
associated" cases from areas such as Miami, Florida, as well. A "travel-associated" case or
individual may acquire the virus elsewhere and then return to the Northern Nevada. In order
for the virus to be transmitted to someone else by a mosquito, the mosquito would need to be
one of the two mentioned above. This lessens the reality of this virus being of a pandemic level
in our area as we do not have these mosquitoes. Unfortunately though, there have been cases
in which the spread of the virus may have happened through sexually transmission. This is
being investigated but people going into areas with active virus (mosquito ) transmission should
consider using personal protection with respect to sexually transmitted disease potential with a
partner afterward for a period of time. There are tests to determine whether someone with a
travel history has contracted the virus but if the tests are not done, it is prudent to consider the
use of personal protection for the timeframe that the virus is present and active in human
blood. That amount of time is being looked at by the CDC, as well. If an individual is confirmed
with the virus, it would again be a personal decision to use personal protection to minimize
sexually transmitted disease potential. Furthermore, women who are pregnant should
minimize travel in areas with active Zika virus transmission as there is a link between Zika virus
and microcephaly for which babies are born with abnormally small heads and possible brain
damage if the virus is attained during the pregnancy.
The symptoms of this disease are typically mild but complications of the virus can have
neurologic or autoimmune issues,as well. There are a number of "asymptomatic" cases in
which the individual's illness is not severe enough to affect daily routines. This may expose
them to more mosquitoes which in turn could pass the virus on to others.
The best precaution taken by any individual with respect to Zika virus is avoiding mosquito bites
in virus active areas. Limiting travel to areas of active virus is just one step of avoidance.
Testing, post-travel in areas of concern is an option to see if one has contracted the virus.
Supportive care and medical advice regarding a confirmed infection is wise, as well. As far as
avoiding infection with Zika virus in Northern Nevada, this again goes back to avoiding the bite.
Personal protection such as long pants, long sleeve shirts and repellent are a good start to
lessening the chances of acquiring any mosquito-borne illness. Eliminating mosquito breeding
sources around your house also helps with mosquito-borne illnesses as it takes very little water
to breed mosquitoes. Containers that can collect rainwater or water troughs for animals are
also good breeding sites for various species of mosquitoes of concern. Emptying them out or
having a professional determine whether they require control is an option.
Finally, working with mosquito control agencies and keeping up with the newest data will
educate the Public as to any future concerns regarding the Zika virus. Local agencies and
agencies across the Country are working to increase surveillance to determine types of
mosquitoes that are in your area as well as species that can carry Zika or other mosquito-borne
illnesses and is a critical part of our response to diseases prevention. From there, weekly
trapping and testing for viruses, mosquito densities and disease transmission changes during
the peak mosquito season are now being prioritized. Any new or updated information for the
Public will then be reported through Public Information websites or other media sources.
If you have any questions, please call your local Mosquito District at 775-423-2828.