Solano County confirms first case of Zika virus

May 27, 2016

SOLANO COUNTY – Solano County Department of Health and Social Services officials are reporting the first case of the Zika virus in a Solano County resident.  The patient has recently traveled to Central America where there is ongoing Zika virus transmission.

"We want the public to know that at this time the Zika virus poses no risk to Solano County residents," says Dr. Michael Stacey, MD, MPH, Deputy Health Officer for Solano County.  “The virus, which is primarily transmitted by two species of invasive mosquitoes, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, are not native to the Bay Area and have no established population here.”

Because the Zika virus can be sexually transmitted, men who have recently traveled to areas with active Zika virus transmission should use condoms correctly and consistently or abstain from sex all together. To prevent the transmission of Zika virus, men who recently traveled should also do the following:

- Abstain from sex or use condoms for the duration of pregnancy if a partner is already pregnant

- Abstain from sex or use condoms for at least eight weeks if there are no symptoms of the virus

- Abstain from sex or use condoms for at least six months if there are symptoms of the virus

“The most effective ways to prevent Zika virus infection among Solano County residents is to avoid traveling to places where there is active Zika virus transmission,” says Dr. Stacey.  “Residents should also be safe about having sex with people who have traveled to impacted areas.  Additionally, if you must travel, use precautions to avoid mosquito bites.  This is especially important for women who are already pregnant or are intending to be pregnant.”

In most people, Zika virus infection causes mild symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). In rare cases, neurological syndromes have occurred.  Zika virus infection in pregnant women has led to pregnancy loss, microcephaly (abnormally small head), poorly developed brain structures in the fetus or newborn and impaired growth in fetuses and infants.  Pregnant women and women considering becoming pregnant should talk to their doctors regarding travel plans if it includes traveling to an area where Zika virus transmission is prevalent.

“Since the weather is getting warmer and we are starting to spend more time outside, now is a good time for a general refresher on how to avoid mosquito bites,” said Richard Snyder, Solano County Mosquito Abatement District Manager. “We encourage all residents to regularly use effective mosquito repellents to protect themselves and help prevent the spread of disease.”

In Solano County, there are several easy things residents can do in order to limit the amount of mosquito breeding activity in the community, including:

- Allow water to flow from the roof to the ground by keeping gutters clean and unclogged

- Drain standing puddles of water, especially after rainstorms and watering landscapes

- Keep swimming pools cleaned and chlorinated

- Stock mosquito-eating fish in ornamental ponds and fountains

- Make your home less attractive to mosquitos by removing tall weeds and other vegetation

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) maintains an up-to-date list of areas with active mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus at the CDC Travelers' Health site at www.CDC.gov/Travel. 

For additional tips and information on mosquito prevention visit the Solano County Mosquito Abatement District website at www.SolanoMosquito.com/Prevention or call (707) 437-1116.