Zika Virus Outbreak

In June of 2007, an outbreak of the Zika virus afflicted at least 60 people on the island state of Yap in Micronesia. A handful of Zika diagnoses in Guam and Palau showed that the virus had spread to nearby islands.

Fast Facts

1. A travel advisory for people traveling to the area was effected
2. None of those afflicted were admitted to hospital
3. No fatalities were reported
4. Citizens were advised to avoid mosquito bites by using bug repellent, mosquito nets and wearing long sleeves and pants

Zika Virus Facts

1. Spread by mosquitoes
2. No specific treatment or vaccine
3. Symptoms usually last 2-4 days
4. Similar to, but milder than dengue fever
5. Symptoms include an itchy rash, pinkeye, joint pain and fever

Quote

1. "Our healthcare system is doing fine. We haven't been overloaded by heaps of patients coming in. We have been fortunate in that way."—Thane Hancock, spokesman for a regional health network

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