REGINA – About a dozen people in Saskatchewan showing possible symptoms have been tested for the Zika Virus, and on Thursday the province announced the first positive case. This brings the total to 14 cases in Canada.
Chief medical health officer Dr. Saqib Shahab provided more information on Friday, and stressed most people have little to worry about.
“If you travel most people don’t get infected, but some do,” he explained.
The virus is most commonly spread by an infected species of tropical mosquito. So far 29 countries, most notably Brazil, have been reported as hot spots for the virus.
Shahab said 80 per cent of people with the virus show no symptoms, and unless the person is pregnant there’s nothing to worry about.
“If you are not pregnant and you travel and are not showing symptoms there’s no reason to get tested, because Zika is otherwise a mild, self-limiting illness.”
Zika infection in pregnant women has been linked to babies being born with microcephaly, which causes abnormally small heads. However, a direct correlation has not been proven.
Symptoms to watch out for include rash, fever, joint pain, and red eyes.
Since the virus can be transmitted by mosquitos and sex, Shahab recommended wearing long sleeves and repellent. When it comes to sex, he said to wear protection for at least two months after returning from a place where Zika is a risk, and for the duration of the pregnancy if your partner is pregnant.
Travel
While Zika has the potential to bring serious consequences, travel agencies have seen very few people change their travel plans.
“We’ve only had one cancellation,” Dana Sokoloski from The Art of Travel said.
“We did have one couple that was pregnant that did decide not to travel, and ended up getting a full refund.”
She added that similar refund polices have been adopted by several airlines and travel agencies in response to Zika.
The Art of Travel has also seen some people asking questions about Zika risks, while Uniglobe hasn’t seen much, if any, Zika impact.