Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness

1894 Barrington Street

Halifax, NS B3J 2A8
Date: February 1, 2016
For Immediate Release
NOVA SCOTIA MEDICAL CHIEF ISSUES WARNING ABOUT ZIKA VIRUS
Halifax, NS After the recent outbreak of the Zika virus in parts of South
America, the Caribbean, and Mexico, Dr. Robert Strang, the Chief Medical
Officer for the Nova Scotia Department of Health and Wellness has issued
several precautions about the possible dangers of the virus and how to avoid
them on January 31, 2016.
The Zika virus has several symptoms, including a mild rash, headaches, joint
pain, fever, and red eyes. The virus is transmitted through mosquito bites.
Only one in five people infected with the virus will experience these
symptoms. The symptoms last between three to five days. There have been
no recorded deaths from the virus. The virus is most dangerous to pregnant
women, as the virus can be transferred from mother to child. The Zika virus
has been linked to birth defects in newborn babies, causing the babys head
to not grow fully. This can lead to brain damage.
The best way to avoid the virus is avoid travelling to South America, the
Caribbean, and Mexico, said Strang. Pregnant women are at the highest
risk, so postponing travel plans until the outbreak has stopped would be the
best course of action. Strang commented further, stating that if travel to
these areas was necessary, insect repellant and mosquito nets were good
ways to prevent being infected.
Dr. Robert Strang has been the Chief Medical Officer for the Nova Scotia
Department of Health and Wellness since August 2007. Strang is dedicated to
providing the people of Nova Scotia with the knowledge needed to create
healthy communities.
-30Contact:
Avery Varnes
Communications Representative for the Nova Scotia Department of Health
and Wellness
(902) 565-9100
varnes19@hotmail.ca