A University of Alabama student who had recently studied abroad has tested positive for the Zika virus, a spokesman for the school confirmed on Monday, June 13.
Apparently, the student contracted the virus while studying abroad. Citing the Federal privacy laws, the school stayed mum regarding the status of the student's health, however Chris Bryant, University of Alabama spokesman confirmed that those infected by the Zika virus make a full recovery within seven days.
Bryant noted in an email that the school received information about the student's condition on Friday. This marks the sixth confirmed case of Zika virus in Alabama. All six cases have been linked to travel to infected areas, ABC 33/40 reported.
In a bid to curb the spread of the Zika virus, students who have recently traveled abroad for studies, specifically to the Caribbean and Central and South America, have been advised to get tested either at their personal healthcare providers or at the University Of Alabama Student Health Center.
A negligible number - 11 out of 691 - of recorded cases, have been recorded where individuals have become infected with the Zika virus via sexual contact with an infected person.
Although Zika virus primarily spreads via the bites of Aedes species mosquitoes, getting sexual involved with an infected individual too can transmit the virus from one person to another. Alternatively, the virus can also spread through infected blood.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that only 1 in 5 individuals infected with the Zika virus may actually become ill. For those already infected with the virus, Dr. David Freedman, a professor of medicine and epidemiology at University of Alabama at Birmingham, defines Zika as a bad flu that's coinciding with a rash. Headache, red eyes, joint and muscle pain, rash and fever are some of the symptoms. Pregnant women and those who may pregnant are at the greatest risk, YellowHammerNews reported.
An early 2015 widespread epidemic of the Zika virus in Brazil has been associated with a spike in microcephaly in babies who were born in the regions affected by the virus. Microcephaly is characterized by an unusual smallness of the head, in addition to a slew of other complications such as seizures, mental retardation, stunted growth and developmental delays.
The best way to avoid getting infected with the Zika virus, according to officials is to avoid traveling to areas affected with Zika outbreaks. Experts urges residents to ensure adequate precautions against mosquitoes have been taken.
In order to keep yourself safe from mosquitoes make sure you get rid of pools of stationary water, stay either in an air-conditioned or screened-in rooms, wearing long sleeved shirts and pants also helps. Alternatively, you can also apply mosquito repellent to keep these tiny yet deadly midge-like flies at bay.
