Humana Advises Members on Zika Virus Prevention

Members can take simple steps to reduce their risk of being exposed to the virus

LOUISVILLE, Ky.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- 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

View source version on businesswire.com: http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20160713006213/en/

Humana Corporate Communications
Alex Kepnes, 502-580-2990
[email protected]

Source: Humana Inc.

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