This e-mail is being sent as part of a temporary series of messages to deliver Zika-related information during peak mosquito season in Indian Country. 
September 1, 2017
MYTHZika Myth of the Week
Myth: Zika is a deadly disease; it kills many people who become infected. 

This is a myth and is not correct!



Truth: It is very rare for adults to die from Zika virus. Most adults who are infected do not even have symptoms and may not know they are infected. People who do feel sick generally have mild symptoms and will not need to be hospitalized; they may not even seek medical care. 

However, infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage or birth defects. 

Zika is also associated with an illness of the nervous system, called Guillain-BarrĂ© Syndrome (GBS). GBS is rare, but in very severe cases, can lead to death. 

In rare cases, other Zika complications can also lead to death. For example, a man in Puerto Rico died from Zika complications in 2016, and a man in Utah died from Zika infection.

The Chief of Infectious Disease at the hospital treating the patient in Utah stated: "What this taught me is ... the spectrum of disease is quite large and there may be a small number of people - whether it's because of other weakening conditions or unknown factors - [that] could have a [severe] outcome." Dr. Petersen at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noted: "In most cases, fatal Zika is associated with underlying illness. However, this may not always be the case." Various factors (including previous infection with a related virus, dengue), may contribute to serious Zika illness. [Source for paragraph]

Much information is still unknown about Zika virus, and outliers or exceptions may occur. However, most adults infected have no symptoms or only mild symptoms. Still, due to the risk of complications and the much more common risk of serious birth defects for women infected during their pregnancies, preventing Zika is very important. 

Zika 101Zika101


Learn the TOP FIVE things everyone should know about Zika  HERE
 
NIHB Resources
Learn more about Tribal Zika Response and Planning at the NIHB Zika Hub

Did you know NIHB can offer technical assistance related to Zika planning? If you are looking for additional resources or need assistance, please EMAIL NIHB

NIHB main website can be accessed HERE

Have questions? Need assistance? Click here to email NIHB staff 

 
In This Newsletter
Zika Information

Zika can have serious consequences for babies of women infected during pregnancy. These babies may be born with serious health problems

Did you know that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offer resources for pregnant women and families with concerns about these problems? 

*Note that many of the resources in this newsletter may also be helpful for pregnant women, parents, or families who are not dealing with Zika-related concerns. Some resources may be useful for families with other special needs or disabilities, while some may be useful for most all families or for addressing general parenting concerns. 

CDC offers a fact sheet with information for women whose doctors suspects microcephaly during pregnancy. View the fact sheet  HERE

CDC offers a road map for parents of babies with Congenital Zika Syndrome HERE

Information about normal, healthy development milestones for babies and children age five and under is available  HERE 

A guide for parents concerned about a child's development (and unsure how to help) is available  HERE

Additional resources for information and support include: 
These resources are  in addition to  care from a medical provider. See a doctor if you have concerns about your health or your child's health, or if you suspect you have Zika virus (especially if you are pregnant). 
Prevention
permethrinHow to Use Permethrin for Protection from Mosquitoes
By now, you might know that there are a variety of ways to protect against mosquito bites: staying indoors while using screens or air conditioning, using mosquito repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants when possible, and even using a net over a bed or over a child's stroller. Some people are less familiar with permethrin, which can be used to treat clothing. 

Courtesy of Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Whereas insect repellent is used directly on the skin, permethrin should only be sprayed onto clothes - and only when the clothes are not being worn. Permethrin should be applied to clothing according to the label instructions; it is also possible to buy clothing already treated with permethrin. Permethrin will last through multiple washings but clothes treated with permethrin should be washed separately from other clothes. Although insect repellents only repel mosquitoes, permethrin can actually kill them. When used as instructed, permethrin is a safe, effective way to prevent Zika - but don't forget to use insect repellent on exposed skin, too!   



Clothing treated with permethrin
Image courtesy of CDC
Zika News
hurricaneHurricane Harvey May Increase Zika Spread
Areas of southeast Texas affected by Hurricane Harvey may experience an increased number of Zika cases in the near future. Texas is already an area of high concern for Zika virus. 

In the immediate aftermath of the storm, flooding will reduce mosquito populations. However, water left over will become an ideal breeding site for mosquitoes. Communities and individuals in southeast Texas are particularly encouraged to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to reduce mosquito breeding by emptying standing water. Learn more about protection from mosquitoes  HERE

Read a Washington Times article about this HERE

September September is Preparedness Month 
Preparedness is an important part of public health. September is Preparedness Month, a time that Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and more than  3000 other organizations focus on emergency preparedness actions. All families are encouraged to have an emergency plan and necessary emergency equipment.

Having a Zika kit is an important way for individuals and families to be prepared to prevent Zika. Learn more about Zika kits HERE

CDC has also published a Zika Interim Response Plan with information about Zika preparedness on a larger scale for communities and Tribes. NIHB is also working to develop a Tribal Zika Action Plan training curriculum with support from CDC. Watch for more news about NIHB's training curriculum in the near future and access the CDC Interim Response Plan  HERE
 Webinars, Trainings, Events
AAPwebinarBeyond the Basics: The Impact of Zika Virus on Vision and Hearing
September 5, 2017 from 12-1 pm ET
The American Academy of Pediatrics will hold a webinar on September 5 to provide information about hearing and vision problems in babies born with Congenital Zika Virus Syndrome. The webinar will also share information about research in this area and clinical guidance for pediatricians.  Learn more or register HERE

SHAREShare your ideas, ask questions, get help 
Is there something you would like to learn more about? NIHB may use ideas for upcoming webinars or newsletters.  Do you need help?   NIHB can also provide technical assistance related to Zika planning. Email NIHB HERE  or submit Zika questions anonymously  HERE