Humana Advises Members on Zika Virus Prevention
July 13 2016 - 12:30PM
Business Wire
Members can take simple steps to reduce their
risk of being exposed to the virus
Humana Inc. (NYSE: HUM) recognizes that the Zika virus is a
concern for its members and is working actively to stay aware of
its progression and take appropriate measures to help members. As
with the flu, there are simple ways that people can protect
themselves.
Most people infected with Zika have no symptoms, but some have
fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes; the symptoms are usually mild
and last several days to a week. However, Zika virus infection
during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called
microcephaly, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.
In addition, a condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome, a
disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks part of the
nervous system, can be triggered by Zika in a small proportion of
infections. And recently, a potential link between Zika and acute
disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a condition that can result
in a multiple sclerosis-like syndrome for up to six months, has
been described.
“The first step is to find out if you’re in an area where you
could be exposed to Zika, and then take the right actions to
protect yourself,” said Dr. Roy Beveridge, Chief Medical Officer at
Humana. “Check the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC]
website to determine if you’re in an area where Zika has been
found.”
So far, the Zika virus has been spread primarily by the Aedes
aegypti species mosquito, but the virus can also be transmitted
through blood transfusions, through sexual contact with an infected
man, or from a pregnant woman to her unborn child. In addition, a
recent study suggests Zika may also be spread by oral sex.
What can you do now?
- Find out if you’re in an affected
area: Visit the CDC web pages for areas with Zika and Zika
virus disease in the United States. Specific areas where Zika is
spreading are often difficult to determine and are likely to change
over time.
- Prevent mosquito bites: Follow
CDC recommendations on preventing bug bites: Wear long pants and
long sleeves, and spray insect repellant with DEET on skin and
clothing.
- Learn about other means of
prevention: Find more information on prevention at the CDC’s
Zika prevention site.
- For women who are pregnant or trying
to become pregnant: Avoid travel to any area where Zika virus
is spreading. Take steps to prevent getting Zika through sexual
contact. See the CDC’s web pages for Zika information for pregnant
women.
Find information at the CDC’s Zika virus site:
www.cdc.gov/ZIKA.
About Humana
Humana Inc., headquartered in Louisville, Ky., is a leading
health and well-being company focused on making it easy for people
to achieve their best health with clinical excellence through
coordinated care. The company’s strategy integrates care delivery,
the member experience, and clinical and consumer insights to
encourage engagement, behavior change, proactive clinical outreach
and wellness for the millions of people we serve across the
country.
More information regarding Humana is available to investors via
the Investor Relations page of the company’s web site
at www.humana.com, including copies of:
- Annual reports to stockholders
- Securities and Exchange Commission
filings
- Most recent investor conference
presentations
- Quarterly earnings news releases
- Replays of most recent earnings release
conference calls
- Calendar of events
- Corporate Governance information
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version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160713006213/en/
Humana Corporate CommunicationsAlex Kepnes,
502-580-2990akepnes@humana.com
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