(No caption)
The Zika virus has generated international headlines, sending waves of concern around the globe.
But the Detroit Health Department issued a press release Wednesday saying there is no need for Detroit residents to become overly concerned because "it is very unlikely to spread to Detroit. The breed of mosquito responsible for carrying the virus does not live in Michigan."
The release goes on to say:
There have not been any cases of the Zika virus in Detroit, and there has been only one case in Michigan, in an Ingham County resident who contracted the virus while traveling abroad.
Zika is a disease spread through the bite of an infected mosquito in tropical climates that leads to flu-like symptoms, fever, rash, red eyes and muscle pain. It is usually mild and lasts several days to a week. Many people who are infected will not experience symptoms. There is neither a vaccine to prevent nor medication to treat Zika. In pregnant mothers, the virus has been linked to brain damage and abnormally small heads among their babies. Zika is primarily spread by mosquito, although it can also be spread through sexual contact with an infected partner.
“Zika virus is extremely unlikely to take hold in Detroit or affect Detroiters who haven’t traveled to affected areas, but residents should know that we are ready to deal with any cases that may occur among travelers,” said Dr. Abdul El-Sayed, director of the Detroit Health Department.
