The Georgia Department of Public Health is confirming two additional travel-related cases of Zika virus in Georgia, bringing the total number of travel-related cases of Zika virus in the state to three.
The non-pregnant individuals have both recovered. One individual traveled to Guatemala and El Salvador. The other individual traveled to Colombia.
Test results are still pending on specimens from other Georgia residents with travel history to areas where Zika virus outbreaks are ongoing. Testing is being performed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
DPH cautions travelers, especially women who are pregnant, headed to countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. The complete list of Zika affected countries can be found at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/zika-travel-information.
Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Travelers should check CDC travel advisories for their destinations and take precautions to protect themselves from mosquitos:
· Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
· Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), or IR3535 (use as directed)
· Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents)
· Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms
For more information about Zika virus and current travel advisories, visit dph.georgia.gov or cdc.gov/zika. Zika virus case counts will be updated weekly at dph.ga.gov beginning Feb. 26.
