Orange County NC Website
Browse       Search
“I’m so pleased to see everyone here. We have a wonderful group of people to talk about Zika <br />virus. It’s an important topic, I know it’s been in the news a lot and is going to continue to be in <br />the news, so this seemed like a good time for this event,” Folt said. <br />Joining Chancellor Folt on stage was Dr. Colleen Bridger, the Orange County Health Director <br />and Dr. Aravinda de Silva, a professor of microbiology at UNC and a Zika researcher. <br />De Silva, who recently received a $50,000 pilot grant for his work on Zika, spoke about the <br />virus’ specific impact on Chapel Hill. <br />“For the campus and the surrounding community, the biggest threat is for people who travel and <br />get infected or from Zika endemic areas that come here.” <br />He said that although the type of mosquito that carries Zika can be found in North Carolina, it’s <br />unlikely that many in the Triangle are carrying the disease. <br />“I think the risk is very low. The main vector is nearly absent in our community. Even if it does <br />present in low numbers, the probability is really low.” <br />Dr. Randall Williams, the director of North Carolina health and human services, shared what is <br />being done at the state level. <br />“We’re not waiting on any funding. We use resources within public health because that’s what <br />we do. We’re always faced with emerging threats, so we’re working with entomologists who <br />know the area well to identify the main carrier.” <br />The speakers answered questions from the audience that addressed travel concerns, the threat of <br />birth defects and how to best prevent the virus’ spread. <br />In the audience was Chapel Hill Mayor Pam Hemminger who said she was relieved to get some <br />answers. <br />“One of the things that makes Chapel Hill so special is that we have a lot of talented people that <br />work and live here, and that’s pretty special for a small town.” <br />As Folt looks to the new school year, she said the University is still developing a plan to support <br />and educate students about Zika. <br />“We haven’t figured out exactly what we’re going to do – probably integrate some things into <br />orientation. I also think we need to see how it progresses.” <br />As scientists keep an eye on how Zika progresses, students and community members are advised <br />to wear long sleeves, wear bug repellent, secure all screens and windows and avoid travel to Zika <br />infected areas of pregnant. <br />More information can be found on the CDC’s website.