In a follow-up to a report earlier this month, Puerto Rico health officials say that 19 locally acquired Zika virus infections have been confirmed, primarily in the south east, according to a El Vocero de Puerto Rico report (computer translated).
Health officials note that later this week they will have more information on the individual cases and the localities.
Secretary of Department of Health, Ana Ríus Armendáriz said last week, “The virus is transmitted by the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the same mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya. That is why we want to educate the population about their symptoms and prevention measures to be taken.”
Ríus Armendariz said one in four people is infected completely asymptomatic. The clinical appearance is often similar to that of chikungunya and dengue, however, in those who do develop symptoms, tends to a mild illness. The symptom that differentiates the Zika virus and chikungunya Dengue is a non-purulent conjunctivitis. Other symptoms that may occur
include mild fever, headache, rash, muscle aches, pain joints, especially the hands and feet.
“It is important to reiterate that prevention measures are the same as for dengue and chikungunya: elimination of breeding and use of repellent for personal protective clothing in addition to covering your arms and legs.
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