Long Island Hospital Sets Up Zika Virus Testing Stations
EAST MEADOW, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- A Long Island hospital has taken extra precautions against the spread of the Zika virus.
As CBS2's Carolyn Gusoff reported, many families were on vacation this week with schools closed, and as travelers return home from Central America, South America and parts of the Caribbean, some have concerns about the Zika virus.
Thus, Zika testing stations have been established at Nassau University Medical Center.
"A lot of people are returning from these trips and they're concerned," hospital president Victor Politi said. "Patients that may be experiencing any signs or symptoms -- such as fever, chills, muscles ache, conjunctivitis -- should come to the emergency department to be seen by a physician and evaluated."
The measures are all precautionary.
"It's not something to create a scare about, but it's very important that we do have local testing areas," said County Legislator Rose Walker.
The mosquito-borne virus has been linked to birth defects in dozens of Latin American countries.
ZIKA INFORMATION FROM THE CDC: Basics | FAQ | Info For Pregnant Women | Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment | More Info | 10 Facts About The Zika Virus
Nassau County has one of the largest Latino populations in the northeast, WCBS 880's Mike Xirinachs reported.
Long Island so far has only two confirmed cases of Zika virus, but many were still concerned.
Sophia Portillo has put off plans to visit her native El Salvador.
"Keep safe and healthy, you know, for you and your baby and your future," Portillo said.
On the front lines at the Zika clinic, emergency room doctors said they have flooded inquiries from travelers returning from the affected areas. They will now offer a simple blood and urine test for high-risk patients.
"Body aches, fevers, rash, red eyes," said Nassau County Medical Center Chairman of Emergency Medicine Dr. Anthony Boutin.
Tests will be sent to Albany, to one of only three state laboratories in the nation with the ability test for Zika.
If a person does tests positive?
"We recommend for the man not to have any sexual contact for at least that four-week period," Politi said.
The same goes for women.
And as for those returning home symptom-free but considering getting pregnant ?
"It might be wise to wait three or four weeks post in order to try to get pregnant," said Dr. Gary Leonardi, director of virology at the hospital.
Pregnant women who test positive will get obstetric counseling.
At one Hempstead travel agency, where Central America is the most popular destinations, they are offering customers advice.
"We would tell them to go the hospital or something (if they are sick in any way)," said travel agent April Alvarez.
The Zika testing will be is available for walk-ins at the hospital or its satellite health center. It takes two to three days take days to get results.
Additional information on Zika is available here. The Department of Health has also set up a Zika virus information line which will be staffed weekdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. The number is: 1-888-364-4723.
