Page 5 - Edwards AFB Desert Wings 3-18-16

March 18, 2016 Desert Wings 5

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What you need to know about Zika virus

by Staff Sgt. Chankrisna J. Chim pregnant women and immunocompromised person. Lastly, men who reside or traveled to ‡(QVXUHVFUHHQVRQ\RXUGRRUVDQGZLQ-
412th Aerospace Medicine Squadron individuals). an area of ongoing Zika virus transmission, dows do not contain holes where mosquitoes
who have a pregnant partner, should abstain can get through
5HFHQWO\WKHUHKDVEHHQDODUJHQXPEHU Why is this important to know? Presently, from sexual activity or consistently and cor-
of Zika virus cases originating from North, there is no vaccine or medication available rectly use condoms during sex with their part- If you notice an increase of mosquito ac-
South and Central America. So, what is Zika to prevent or treat Zika infections, but pre- ner throughout the duration of the pregnancy. tivity, plan on traveling to another country
virus and why is it the hot topic on the news? sented symptoms are treatable. It is important where diseases are prevalent, or would like
to know that if you develop any of these signs Here are some important guidelines to fol- up-to-date information on diseases contact
This virus, like other arboviruses (insect- and symptoms, you should schedule an ap- low to prevent contracting Zika or any other Public Health at 661-277-2244 or 661-277-
carrying viruses), is transmitted from the bite pointment with your primary care facility to insect-carrying diseases: 2270.
of an infected mosquito (primarily Aedes ae- be evaluated and/or treated.
gypti for Zika). ‡0RVTXLWRHVDUHDFWLYHGXULQJWKHKRXUVRI
As of March 1, the Zika virus has been dusk and dawn
People who have been bitten by a Zika-in- found in 36 countries and territories.
IHFWHGPRVTXLWRPD\GHYHORSÀXOLNHV\PS- ‡:HDUORQJSDQWVDQGORQJVOHHYHGVKLUWV
toms, such as fever, rash, joint pain, conjunc- Travel by pregnant service members, de- to prevent being bitten
tivitis (red eyes), muscle aches and/or head- pendents and DOD civilian employees to
aches, within a few days to a week. Every- Zika-affected regions is strongly discouraged ‡8VHPRVTXLWRUHSHOOHQWZLWKSHU-
one is susceptible to the Zika virus and other until completion of their pregnancy. cent DEET
mosquito-transmitted diseases, especially
high risk populations (i.e. elderly, children, Additionally, recent reports suggest that ‡&KHFNIRUDUHDVZKHUHWKHUHLVVWDQGLQJ
this virus can be more commonly transmit- water (i.e. empty tires, puddles, cans) and
ted through sexual contact with an infected HOLPLQDWHWKRVHDUHDVE\¿OOLQJLWXSZLWKGLUW
and/or empty the water

SACRAMENTO, from 1 The next day Neitzle and Blanco shared their story from consistent value Edwards gives to the nation as well as the
the Edwards booth titled, “What’s up at Edwards?” on the people of California. We want to be good neighbors and
IDFHZLWK6HQDWRUV>-HDQ@)XOOHUDQG>6KDURQ@5XQQHUDVZHOO capitol building’s lawn while Smith talked with state politi- appreciated as the same.”
as Assemblyman [Tom] Lackey, among others, insured the cians.
Edwards story, and economic and military value, was well BRIEFS, from 3
understood.” Blanco and Neitzle passed out maps to show where Ed-
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7KH¿UVWPRUQLQJZDVGHGLFDWHGVROHO\WRORFDOSROLWLFLDQV 7KH\DOVRKDQGHGRXWÀ\HUVVXPPDUL]LQJVRPHRI(GZDUGV the government service station.
but in the afternoon the general public was invited to come AFB’s capabilities, the impact on the community and small
in and talk to the aerospace companies represented. Among posters with pictures of aircraft that have been tested at Reunion
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jet and many other large and small private companies. 7KH7RUUHMRQ$LU%DVH6SDLQWK%L$QQXDO5HXQLRQ
“No base or mission is completely safe from possible is Sept. 1-5 in Los Angeles. Anyone who was stationed at
“I really appreciate the fact that they invited us out be- future cuts and realignments,” concluded Smith. “We need the base can attend. For more information, call 951-739-
cause it gives us the opportunity to show the work that we our state representatives to help us shape the story of the 0202 or email mizbs3492@msn.com.
do here. We should take advantage of all those opportunities
to tell our story and I think it was told well,” said Blanco.

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