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www.insideHALTON.com | OAKVILLE BEAVER | Friday, February 5, 2016 | 8 Oakvillians not at risk of Zika virus -- at home by Julia Le Oakville Beaver Staff While the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the spread of the Zika virus in the Americas an international emergency, Halton health officials say they're not concerned about the risk level in the region. Dimitra Kasimos, acting-director of Healthy Environments and Communicable Disease at Halton Region, said local transmission of the virus is not possible, especially now, when it's cold out. "We also don't have mosquitoes known to transmit it," said Kasimos, noting the local mosquito population is monitored for West Nile Virus every summer. "We haven't been catching (mosquitoes that transmit Zika) in those traps, so we know locally, we don't have those mosquitos," she said. Kasimo, however, admits there is some potential of contracting the virus if residents are travelling to areas where the virus is spreading. "What we recommend for travellers is, if they are going to affected countries, to prac- Dr. Neil Rau tice appropriate protective measures, which are again, the same thing we have been saying for West Nile Virus," she said, noting it's best to use an insect repellent containing DEET when outdoors where there are mosquitoes. Avoid being bitten "Wearing light-coloured clothing, covering up when possible or, if possible, avoiding those areas where there are mosquitoes," Kasimos advised. "If you're indoors, making sure the windows and doors are closed or, if they're open, there's screening. At night time, if it's available, use mosquito netting around the bed when sleeping. Just avoid getting bitten by mosquitos altogether." Still, if someone comes back to Halton with the virus from travelling, there is no real risk to the general public, Kasimos points out. "A mosquito would have to bite them and bite someone else," she said. "So, at this time, being winter, it's not transmitted from person to person." Since last spring, the Zika virus has spread to at least 24 countries and territories, mostly by mosquitoes. In a few rare cases, the virus was transmitted through sexual contact with an infected person or blood transfusions from infected donors. Making headlines It has been making headlines in recent weeks because Brazil's Ministry of Health identified a possible link between the Zika virus and a hike in the number of microcephaly cases, a condition where babies are born with abnormally small heads. The strong association, in time and place, between infection with the Zika virus and a rise in detected cases of congenital malformations and neurological complications, prompted WHO to form an emergency committee, under International Health Regulations. This is to gather advice from experts on the severity of the health threat associated with the continuing spread of Zika virus disease in Latin America and the Caribbean. WHO director-general Dr. Margaret Chan said Monday (Feb. 1), in a statement published on WHO's website, experts agreed "a causal relationship between Zika infection during pregnancy and microcephaly is strongly suspected, though not yet scientifically proven. Urgent need "All agreed on the urgent need to co-ordinate international efforts to investigate and understand this relationship better," she said. In response to the Zika virus outbreak in Central and South America, the Public Health Agency of Canada has responded by issuing a travel health notice Jan. 15 on the Zika virus, advising Canadian travellers visiting affected areas to protect themselves against the virus by taking individual protective measures to prevent mosquito bites. Avoid travel to high-risk locations Those measures include using insect repellent, protective clothing, mosquito nets, screened doors and windows. It highlighted pregnant women or those considering becoming pregnant discuss their travel plans with their healthcare provider to see Remain on p.11 For related story see p.9 Open your senses to what others have experienced. Plum'S food ShoP iS now oPen! We serve fresh breakfast & lunches daily Take-out only until 2:30, Monday - Friday We offer full service corporate catering 447 Speers Rd, unit 9 · 905-844-7110 www.plumcatering.ca TAkE ThE DULL OUT OF yOUR wInTER AnD REjUvEnATE yOUR FLOORS! DISCOUnTED pRICIng In jAnUARy AnD FEbRUARy OnLy Braden, Braden, Grade Grade 8. Current Current philanthropist philanthropist and conservationist, conservationist, future future veterinarian. veterinarian. Established in 1988, with over 32 years of experience. antique hardwo od flooring Hillfield Strathallan College is an independent day school for Montessori Toddler and Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 12. Join us for March Break! Learn about our March Break camp opportunities by calling 905-389-1367, or visiting www.hsc.on.ca. 290 Speers Road, Oakville 905-825-8551 FOLLOW US TO SEE THE LATEST TRENDS www.antiquehardwoodflooring.ca CALL US FOR DETAILS!