ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla -- With the first announced case of someone contracting the Zika virus in the U.S., Altus AFB has begun taking safety measures to combat this virus in our local area.
The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes. Altus AFB is taking precautions to protect base Airmen and family members from the virus.
“Altus AFB Public Health Office is actively testing mosquitoes and is conducting surveillance on mosquito populated areas,” said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Monise Butler, 97th Medical Operations Squadron NCO in charge of communicable disease. “Public Health traps mosquitoes twice a week and submits them to a lab to be tested for viruses. We work hand-in-hand with the 97th Civil Engineer Pest Management Office on base, they conduct aerial spraying and larviciding to aid in reducing the mosquito population.”
Altus AFB has these protective measures in place in order to stop the possibility of the virus spreading.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, the virus spreads when a mosquito bites a person who is infected with the virus and then bites a different person. The virus can also spread from unprotected sexual contact or a blood transfusion with an infected person. Some common symptoms of the virus can include fever, rash, joint pain or reddening of the eyes and can also cause birth defects in unborn children.
The chance of getting the virus locally is very low, but people should take preventive measures if they are traveling to a country where the virus is known to be active.
“If anyone is planning a trip or deploying to an area where the Zika virus is very active, they are highly encouraged to visit the Public Health Office to receive the most up to date information about Zika,” said Butler. “When Airmen have returned back to the base after being deployed, they are monitored for the presence of Zika related signs and symptoms.”
With all these precautions, Altus AFB is working with several organizations to manage the mosquito population to reduce the chance that the virus could spread.
“We are working with several U.S. Army posts and Air Force bases in Oklahoma and Texas to compare surveillance data,” said Butler. “Altus AFB Public Health, Pest Management and the Jackson County Health Department will be meeting on a regular basis to work in unison in combating Zika in the Altus area and share surveillance information with one another.”
Even though Altus AFB has several agencies working to deal with the mosquito problem, anyone can assist to lower the population of mosquitoes.
“The base populace is encouraged to police the areas outside of their work centers and homes to get rid of all standing water, this is the ideal place for mosquitoes to continue breeding in massive amounts,” said Butler. “To reduce the chance of getting bit by any mosquito wear long sleeves and pants. Use insect repellants containing diethyltoluamide on skin and permethrin on outer clothing. Use air conditioning or window screens when it gets too hot. If sleeping outside make sure to use mosquito netting.”
Altus AFB is taking many steps to protect the base populace and surrounding area in order to lower the chance that anyone will contract the virus. For more information about the Zika virus call Public Health at 580-481-5488 or go to www.cdc.gov.