Clif Knight

Hartselle Enquirer

The Alabama Department of Public Health has confirmed February 10th that a Morgan County resident has tested positive for the Zika virus.

The disclosure was made at a press conference conducted by Scott Harris, assistant state public heath officer.

The identity of the Zika victim was not disclosed; however, Harris said the victim traveled to a part of the world that is experiencing a Zika virus outbreak, and likely acquired the virus there.

The virus is carried by the Aedes aegypti and Asian tiger mosquitoes, both of which are present in the southeastern United States, including Alabama. The areas where outbreaks have occurred include the Caribbean and Latin America.

Harris pointed out that while there is no known treatment for the virus, its symptoms consist of fever, rash, red eyes and muscle and joint pain and disappear within a few days. However, the victim remains a carrier of the disease.

The virus is linked to a rare birth defect known as microcephaly, which causes the newborn to have small craniums, resulting in serious neurological programs like seizures, learning disabilities and visual impairments.

“Women who are pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant should not travel to the Caribbean and other areas where outbreaks have occurred,” Harris warned.  “Men who have traveled in those areas should use condoms when having sex since the virus can be sexually transmitted.”

“Alabamians should not be overly concerned about a Zika virus outbreak,” he added. “We have better mosquito control measures and people live in more substantial housing. They don’t have the same mosquito exposure and have better access to health care.”