By Jackie Todd, office of Media Relations
Clemson University officials continue to monitor the spread of the Zika virus in the U.S. and to ensure the university has a plan of action, should the disease impact faculty, staff and students here. Thus far, 31 cases have been reported in South Carolina, all acquired outside the U.S., according to George W. Clay, DHA, Clemson’s executive director of Student Health Services.
Zika is an infection, that is primarily transmitted through mosquito bites. Most people exhibit mild symptoms and many do not know that they have the virus. The virus, which can be confirmed through a blood or urine test, can be dangerous to unborn children during pregnancy and has been linked to birth defects.
Some symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and headache. These symptoms can last from a few days to a week. While there is no vaccine, some medical professionals will prescribe over-the-counter medications to combat symptoms associated with the virus.
Clemson is taking steps to reduce incidence of mosquitos.
“Mitigating standing water is our best defense,” explained Facilities Director Todd Barnette. “Our landscape crew always looks to eliminate this problem.” Barnette said pest control contractors routinely treat campus catch basins with a slow-release larvicide. Additionally, heavily wooded areas of campus are sprayed with pesticides from May through October.
In case of outbreaks, Clemson updates emergency plans, including an Infectious Diseases Framework that dictates the university’s response in the case of Zika or any other infectious disease outbreak.
For more information about the Zika virus, visit Clemson’s Student Health Services webpage, or the Centers for Disease control webpage.
