DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – Worries about the mosquito-borne Zika virus continues to grow nationwide.
So should residents in Northeast Wisconsin be concerned?
“Currently the mosquito that spreads Zika virus isn’t found in Wisconsin, we have not had any cases of Zika virus in Wisconsin,” says Chrystal Woller, Health Director for the City of De Pere. “At this time, it’s important for people just to be vigilant.”
That includes keeping up-to-date with the latest information, which you can do here.
“About 80 percent of people who are infected with the Zika virus may not have any symptoms,” Woller said. “Illness developed in 20 percent of the infected people, usually within 3 to 7 days after a bite from an infected mosquito.”
The people most at risk, are women of child-bearing age.
“Because people who are planning to become pregnant, or are pregnant, there are symptoms of birth defects,” says Woller. “It’s very important that women consult with their physician before and after travel to an affected country.”
ZIKA’S IMPACT ON BLOOD DONORS
The Community Blood Center is taking steps to ensure the safety of the blood supply in Northeast Wisconsin due to concerns about the Zika virus.
The center is asking people with recent travel to refrain from donating blood for 28 days after returning. That’s because most people don’t show symptoms.
Officials say that allows enough time for the body to clear any potential infection.
“We are going to need people to come in as well to help replace those people that we are asking to be deferred, so if anybody hasn’t traveled in the past month, we definitely ask them to come in,” Dr. Todd Straus with Community Blood Center told FOX 11.
The center also asks that donors notify them if they develop any symptoms related to the Zika virus within 14 days of donating. Those include fever, rash, red eyes and joint pain.
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