Special Update: Zika Virus

Presently, Orillia and Barrie residents are relatively safe from the Zika Virus due to our winter and, local transmission in Ontario is not possible because Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes are not native to Ontario and the province’s Aedes species are not known to transmit Zika virus. (Public Health Ontario)
Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving. (Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).

Women of child bearing age should monitor the evolving information about the link between Zika and microcephaly and evaluate travel plans to regions of mosquito infestations. Most of Georgian Dental patients and snowbirds who are going to Florida this winter should note that the state of Florida is not identified as a Zika risk, for now. Travels to Mexico and to the Caribbean on the other hand should be reviewed ahead of time with the CDC’s site. The CDC has an excellent page on Zika including affected regions, mosquito bite prevention in the states and relevant information you must know before traveling to warmer climates particularly South America.

Zika Virus Useful Links

Click here for Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FAQ page on Zika
Click here for Public Health Ontario’s Factsheet on Zika

Zika Virus Transmission Risks

While Zika transmission modes are primarily through mosquito bites, in rare cases, transmission can occur through blood transfusion and sexual contact. If you are returning from travel to regions identified as Zika risk regions, please assess any symptomology before attending your appointment at Georgian Dental and consult with your family physician if you exhibit any symptoms including fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes).

However, There is no vaccine or cure for Zika virus. Treatment is supportive (such as fluids to prevent dehydration). Zika virus infection is considered a mild illness that generally resolves within 2–7 days; 75–80% of people infected with Zika virus will not display symptoms.
Georgian Dental offers holistic dental care for whole body health. Give Georgian Dental a call today Barrie Dentists, call (705)739-6725 and Orillia Dentist, call (705)325-1765.