Monmouth County Issues Health Alerts

The Monmouth County Health Department announced today that it is monitoring the worldwide spread of the Zika virus and locally, an outbreak of gastrointestinal (GI) illinesses.

The department urges residents to stay home if ill and to be diligent about hand washing especially after using the bathroom and before eating.

In the past week, Monmouth County has seen an increase in cases of gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses. The symptoms include: abdominal cramping, nausea, and vomiting lasting twenty four to forty eight hours.

Those with symptoms should stay home for 24 hours after symptoms have stopped to avoid spreading the virus to others. People involved in a food handling occupation should stay home 48 hours after symptoms have stopped.

“The best way to protect yourself from GI illness is to practice proper hand washing and general cleanliness,” said Christopher Merkel, Monmouth County Public Health Coordinator. “Contrary to popular opinion, hand sanitizers are not effective in protecting you from this type of illness. Soap and water is the best and most effective way to reduce the likelihood you will get a GI illness.”

The County Mosquito Control Division and the Health Department are actively monitoring the Zika virus situation and urges residents to be cautious when traveling to countries where Zika transmission is happening.

Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites.

“Currently, currently, there is no evidence of Zika in Monmouth County,” said Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso. “The County is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to take action when, and if, necessary.”

The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel information for those planning to travel to countries that have reported local transmission of the Zika, including Central America, South America, the Caribbean and Mexico.

“If you are traveling out of the country, make sure to check if there is a threat of Zika in the country you are traveling to and, if so, take the proper precautions to prevent mosquito bites,” said DiMaso.

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.

“The Health Department is in constant communication with the CDC and NJ Department of Health regarding the evolving Zika situation,” said Merkel. “Residents should actively connect to accurate, well-known and legitimate information sources and dismiss misinformation from non-credible sources.”

“We are learning more about Zika every day.” DiMaso said. “Links to the most current information, including travel notices, are available on the Monmouth County website at www.visitmonmouth.com”