During a manipulation, a researcher pricked herself with a syringe containing the Zika virus. A week after the infection, she returned to work.
An American researcher from the University of Pittsburgh is said to have contracted the Zika virus during a handling accident. This is the first time that such an incident has been reported.
This is a woman who accidentally pricked herself with a syringe containing the virus on May 23, said the faculty. A week later, the 1er June, she presented with signs of the infection (rash, conjunctivitis, joint pain). The symptoms eased very quickly and she was able to return to her lab a few days later.
“We would like to remind residents that the risk of being infected with the Zika virus from a mosquito bite is still zero in Allegheny county (university region, editor’s note), despite this incident, ”said Dr Karen Hacker, director of the Allegheny County Health Department. Indeed, the mosquito Aedes, the main vector of the disease, has not yet been detected in this region of the northwestern United States.
Avoid mosquito bites
Nonetheless, the researcher will wear long sleeves and pants, and apply repellant as a precaution for at least 3 weeks, as recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
For now, no treatment or vaccine exists. Dr Karen Hacker reminded travelers of the importance of protecting yourself from mosquito bites, the only effective way to avoid infection. Protection that must be maintained nearly a month after returning to the country to ensure that the virus is not transmitted to a mosquito which would then be able to infect other people. Pregnant women are also strongly advised to avoid areas affected by the epidemic, due to the risk of microcephaly.
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