As Americans begin exploring vacation options, it’s likely that alarming reports regarding the Zika virus are causing concern.

This emergent epidemic is affecting over 30 countries and territories, especially in parts of South America and the Caribbean.

With the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now reporting a small number of cases in the U.S., and issuing travel alerts warning of the potential risk, it’s best to understand what the Zika virus is and how this potential threat can affect you.

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that had not previously been thought of as a severe infectious disease. An increased number of cases and the appearance of Zika-related birth defects and illnesses have triggered alarm and brought worldwide attention to the disease.

Transmission occurs when a person is bitten by a certain species of mosquito that is infected with the virus. The disease can cause a host of flu-like symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (pinkeye).

More alarming are the consequent birth defects and other serious health complications in pregnant women and their babies. Researchers are tying Zika to an epidemic of microcephaly in babies born to infected women. Microcephaly inhibits the baby’s skull growth, resulting in sometimes-fatal brain damage, miscarriage or stillbirth.

The Zika virus frequently goes undetected because symptoms are not severe and most people don’t even know they have it. The virus, which usually runs its course in about two weeks, is often mistaken for the flu.

But in rare cases, Zika has been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disorder that can cause temporary partial or complete paralysis. Researchers have discovered that Zika can also be transmitted sexually between an infected person and their partner.

Doctors can test for Zika by detecting the virus in saliva or urine, but unfortunately, there is no vaccine, cure or formal treatment. Over-the-counter pain medication is recommended to help with related aches and pains.

Researchers interviewed Brazilian mothers of approximately 4,000 babies born with microcephaly and found that these mothers experienced Zika-related symptoms, including rash, during pregnancy.

The World Health Organization declared birth defects linked to the Zika virus an international public health emergency. The CDC recommends that if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consider postponing travel to regions listed on the travel alert. The agency also recommends using condoms or abstaining from sexual contact with a partner who has traveled to the affected regions.

As of early spring, doctors had seen at least 35 cases in the U.S. – mostly in travelers returning from affected areas. With the 2016 Summer Olympic Games slated for Brazil in August, the CDC is on high alert, but indicates the threat is not the same in the U.S., since conditions here are very different and a mass outbreak is unlikely.

Still, they continue to study the virus and monitor its spread. While actions are being taken to eradicate and contain the virus, experts urge citizens to be cautious during travel, and exercise vigilance in preventative measures and practices.

For APWU Health Plan members, Zika virus testing for pregnant women is covered at 100 percent when performed by an in-network provider.

Kaczor Retires

As this issue of The American Postal Worker went to press, Brother Kaczor announced his retirement, which became effective April 15. (See p. 15.)

“It has been a great honor to serve the members of the APWU and the APWU Health Plan all these years. I’ve made many great friends – and I believe we’ve done great things together. I hope we will stay in touch as we continue the fight.” – William Kaczor