Protecting our children.
Yesterday, the World Health Organization has declared the Zika virus a public health emergency that is important to all countries.
Our government is working with state health departments and international public health partners to help solve this health problem.
The World Health Organization encourages nations to work together to:
- Study and learn more about the Zika virus and its connection to development in babies, such as smaller head and brain problems
- Have better control of mosquitoes
- Work on testing for Zika and vaccines to protect people who are in danger of the virus, such as pregnant women
Our government (CDC) is:
- Warning and teaching everyone (including doctors) about Zika
- Providing state health departments with tests for Zika virus
- Gathering more information about the cases here in the US in order to prevent the spread of Zika virus
- Supporting mosquito control in the US and around the world
You can protect you and your family by being more careful when traveling and avoiding mosquito bites.
Keep in mind that more studies need to be done in order for us to have a better understanding of the Zika virus and developmental problems in babies.
Talk to your doctor or health care provider for more information.
Check out CDC’s TravWell app (free) for up-to-date travel alerts, emergency phone numbers, recommendations, pre-travel care clinics and checklists to keep you and your family safe at your next destination.
Call 800 – CDC – INFO (478 – 5868) or email for more free up-to-date information.
Sources:
– WHO Director-General summarizes the outcome of the Emergency Committee on Zika. World Health Organization web site. bit.ly/1SowcKJ. Published February 01, 2016. Accessed February 02, 2016.
– Zika Virus Disease Q & A. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention web site. 1.usa.gov/1OUpjwv. Updated February 01, 2016. Accessed February 02, 2016.