Sent by e-mail October 31, 2016
You will be receiving a Health Care Provider eNewsletter from us later this week with information about Ontario’s new opioid strategy, tuberculosis in Middlesex-London, vaccination schedule changes, and other important items. However, in light of the recent news out of Windsor, I wanted to share an update on Zika as quickly as possible.
Zika Virus Update
Windsor-Essex County Health Unit recently identified Aedes aegypti species in the Windsor-Essex area. Aedes aegypti is the species responsible for the majority of human cases of Zika virus infections in the Caribbean, South America and Florida. There were three confirmed Aedes aegypti larvae found and all tested negative for Zika virus. Aedes albopictus, a mosquito species that is also capable of transmitting Zika, had been identified in the area earlier this summer.
These two species are not cold tolerant, and therefore not expected to survive the cold winter temperatures in Canada. There have been no locally-acquired Zika virus infections in Canada and the overall risk of local transmission remains extremely low. The MLHU operates a comprehensive mosquito surveillance program and has not found any of the species that can transmit Zika virus in Middlesex-London. The MLHU will continue to monitor for the presence of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in Middlesex-London and ensure that our health care providers stay informed about vector borne diseases and the local mosquito surveillance program.
The list of countries with locally-acquired Zika virus infections is available here: http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca/diseases-conditions-maladies-affections/disease-maladie/zika-virus/risks-countries-pays-risques-eng.php
The Public Health Agency of Canada and Centers for Disease Control do not recommend routine testing of asymptomatic people with the exception of pregnant women with potential exposure to Zika virus. For more information please refer to http://www.publichealthontario.ca/en/ServicesAndTools/LaboratoryServices/Pages/Zika-Virus.aspx
Please contact the Middlesex London Health Unit at 519-663-5317 ext. 2330 if you have questions, or require further assistance. You can also visit www.healthunit.com for more information about Zika virus infection.