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A case of Zika Virus has been confirmed in Saskatchewan.
The Public Health Agency of Canada has confirmed the province’s first case of Zika virus on Thursday afternoon.
The Public Health Agency of Canada reported three new cases of Zika virus confirmed by labs in Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Ontario.
All of the cases have been linked to people traveling to countries where mosquitoes that carry the virus are present. Experts say mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not able to survive in the Canadian climate at all. There is a limited risk that of sexual transmission and passing on the virus through blood donations.
No details have been released about which health region the case of Zika virus was reported in Saskatchewan, or where the person may have traveled.
A total of 14 cases have been confirmed in Canada. In Ontario and B.C. the infected patients had recently traveled to Colombia and El Salvador.
Signs and Symptoms
The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other arbovirus infections such as dengue, and include fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache. These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.
Canada issued a travel advisory to pregnant women or women considering becoming pregnant to avoid traveling to 48 countries, mainly in South and Central America.
Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
Agencies/Canadajournal
