According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. For pregnant women, the Zika virus could have life-long impacts on newborns by causing microcephaly, a congenital condition that causes the baby’s brain to develop improperly. On Feb 2, 2016, it was reported by CBS2 News Chicago that a person contracted Zika virus after having sex with an infected partner. On February 29, 2016 Presence Health officials confirmed the first instance of Zika infection locally since this most recent outbreak. At no time was anyone in our hospital, the physician’s office or those who have had casual contact with the patient at any risk of contracting the Zika Virus.
Presence Health subject matter experts have recently appeared on local media to inform the public regarding the symptoms of, and precautions to take in order to avoid contracting the Zika virus .
Section Chief Infectious Diseases at Presence Saint Joseph Hospital – Chicago Mitchell Weinstein M.D. says that Zika virus infection can also possibly impact non-pregnant women and men with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare disorder that causes a person’s immune system to damage their nerve cells and cause muscle weakness or paralysis.
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus will show symptoms of being infected. Presence Saints Mary and Elizabeth Infectious and Tropical Diseases Specialist Vindi Chundi M.D. suggest that if you’ve recently traveled and are suffering the following symptoms; contact your health care provider for a blood test.
While there is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus, if you plan to travel or would like to take precautions at home it’s suggested that you:
For more information about Zika virus, review the following broadcast and online media interviews with Presence Health subject matter experts:
2/3 ABC7 TV News: Zika Virus in Chicago
2/3 CBS2 TV News: Person Tested for Zika Virus
2/3 NBC5 TV News: Possible Zika Virus Case
2/3 WGN9 TV News: PSJH Physician Talks About Possible Zika Case
2/3 CLTV News: PSJH Physician Talks About Possible Zika Case
2/3 WBBM Newsradio 780AM: PSJH Physician Comments on Zika Being Sexually Transmitted
2/3 DNAinfo: PSJH Physician Discusses Zika Being in Chicago
2/1 Univision: PSMEMC Physician Comments on Zika Virus
2/1 WBBM Newsradio 780AM: PSJH Physician comments on the Zika Virus
1/28 WGN-TV News: PSMEMC Infectious Disease Specialist on the Zika Virus?
2/29: WLS-TV: First Case of Zika Virus Confirmed in Chicago
2/29: WGNTV: Woman tests positive for Zika virus at Chicago North Side hospital.
2/29: DNAinfo: Chicago Woman Tests Positive for Zika Virus
2/29: NBC5: Woman Test Positive for Zika Virus in Chicago, Becomes Illinois’ 5th Case
