While there have been no reports of Zika cases Arizona, officials are preparing address cases of the Zika virus infection and take steps to prevent disease spread within our communities. Public health, environmental health, and vector control agencies across the state have been collaborating to ensure plans, staff and materials are in place, according to health officials.
Dr. Cara Christ, Director for the Arizona Department of Health Services, reports, “Last Friday, we convened our Council on Infectious Disease Preparedness and Response to ensure that partners outside of the public health community have input into Zika preparedness activities. The meeting kicked off with a situational overview of Zika virus at the global, national, and state level and transitioned into a discussion of Arizona-specific response activities.”
Crist writes that to “maintain and enhance Zika preparedness in Arizona,” ADHS staff is monitoring the national and international Zika situation and keeping state, local and healthcare partners informed of the most recent and relevant developments. She notes that the Department continues to support county health departments in conducting Zika risk assessments of returning travelers in order to coordinate Zika testing with healthcare providers and state and CDC laboratories.
The Arizona Arboviral Workgroup meets on a monthly basis to coordinate mosquito surveillance and control across the state, advises Christ. The Arizona State Public Health Laboratory now maintains capacity to conduct Zika virus testing.
Last week, ADHS published the Arizona Arboviral Handbook for Chikungunya, Dengue, and Zika Viruses. This comprehensive tool serves as a preparation and response plan for mosquito-borne diseases. It includes information about each of the diseases and response scenarios for public health and vector control agencies.
“While we expect to get at least a few travel-associated Zika cases reported in Arizona, we’re confident that these statewide planning efforts will better prepare us to respond to and prevent widespread outbreaks of the disease here,” concludes Christ.