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The Advance Warning System disseminates information to New Yorkers with disabilities and others with access and functional needs through their service providers. Please share the important information below with your clients, other agencies, or individuals to empower them to make informed decisions.
Good morning AWS Partners,
The NYC Health Department continues to amplify travel warnings for people traveling to countries affected by Zika virus. Pregnant women or women who plan on getting pregnant soon should especially consider postponing or delaying travel to these areas due to the possibility of birth defects caused by Zika. Testing is available in NYC for pregnant women who've recently traveled to a Zika affected country.
Zika virus symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Most people have mild symptoms and do not need to go to a hospital. Symptoms usually start two to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may last up to a week. Zika may be mistaken for other diseases caused by mosquitoes, such as dengue virus or chikungunya virus. Health care providers use a blood test to confirm Zika.
There is no treatment for Zika, but medicine can help relieve the symptoms.
Currently, no mosquitos present in New York City carry the Zika virus, but local mosquitoes can spread other diseases, like West Nile virus. New Yorkers can help stop the spread of mosquito-borne viruses by following these steps:
- Apply insect repellents and wear long sleeves or pants in the evening during mosquito season (June through September).
- Install or repair screens on windows and doors.
- Empty standing water from containers such as flower pots, gutters, buckets, pool covers, pet water dishes, discarded tires and birdbaths. A very small body of water can be the breeding ground for hundreds of mosquito eggs.
- Make sure backyard pools are properly maintained and chlorinated.
- Report standing water to 311.
For more information, please visit: http://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/zika-virus.page
Stay safe this summer!
NYCEM Human Services Unit:
Human Services email distribution list (includes all Human Services Staff): humanservicesesflist@oem.nyc.gov