Zika Virus

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted by a specific species of mosquitoes found throughout the Central America, South America, and parts of the United States especially the gulf states. While primarily through mosquito bites, spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact have also been reported.

About 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will become ill. Symptoms of this virus include fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, and headache lasting few days to a week. People don’t usually require hospitalization and rarely die from Zika.

While the illness may not serious in most people, the virus does pose a higher risk to unborn babies of pregnant women. Reports have linked the virus to Microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes. Consequently pregnant women should be especially careful to avoid infection. More studies are being done to learn more about the risks to pregnant women and others.

There is no vaccine to prevent or specific medicine to treat the illness. All anyone can do now is recognize the symptoms and contact your physician to be tested if you suspect infection. Knowing you have the virus will help you prevent the transmission to others during the infection. Here are other thing to do to prevent infection:

• Avoid traveling to infected areas (See the CDC Zika Travel Warning)
• Avoid mosquito bites
  • Minimize exposed skin by wearing long-sleeve shirts, long pants, and hat
  • Use insect repellant (use as directed)
  • Stay in places with air conditioning and doors screens to keep mosquitos outside
  • If sleeping outdoors, sleep under a mosquito net
  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated products

For more details and the latest information on the Zika Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) Zika Virus website pages.