The Zika virus is an infectious disease transmitted to people by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (yellow fever mosquitoes) and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes (Asian tiger mosquitoes).
How do people get Zika?
- Through the bite of infected mosquitoes: A mosquito can only transmit Zika virus after it bites a person who has the virus. Then the mosquito transmits the virus to another person. Through sexual contact with an infected person.
- Through pregnancy/birth from a pregnant woman to her fetus/baby. Zika virus infection in pregnant women can cause microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain), other serious brain abnormalities in newborns, and stillbirth. This occurs after a pregnant woman infected with Zika virus passes the virus to her developing fetus.
- Zika is NOT transmitted directly from one person to another through casual contact such as touching an infected person.
Where does Zika Occur?
The yellow fever and Asian tiger mosquitoes are not native to California. Zika occurs in many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Recent outbreaks have occurred in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. However, in August 2016, local transmission was confirmed in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
The yellow fever and Asian tiger mosquitoes are not native to California. Zika occurs in many tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, particularly in Africa, Southeast Asia, and islands in the Pacific Ocean. Recent outbreaks have occurred in the Caribbean, Central and South America, and Mexico. However, in August 2016, local transmission was confirmed in Miami-Dade County, Florida.
What are the symptoms and treatment of Zika?
Most people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms.
If symptoms develop, the most common are fever, rash, joint pain, and/or red eyes.
Symptoms begin a few days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito or having unprotected sex with an infected partner.
The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
Currently, there is no specific treatment for Zika. Discuss with your physician about medications to help reduce these symptoms; plenty of rest and fluid intake are also helpful. Most people will feel better in about a week.
What can people do to keep from getting Zika?
- There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. In areas where Zika is present, everyone, including pregnant women and women of childbearing age, should protect themselves from mosquito bites:
- Apply EPA-registered mosquito repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol to exposed skin and clothing.
- Using insect repellent is safe and effective. Children, pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label.
- Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing during the warmer months.
- Use air conditioning or window/door screens or mosquito net to keep mosquitoes outside.
- Because of the potential transmission of Zika virus through sex, the risk for sexual transmission of Zika virus can be eliminated by abstinence and reduced by correct and consistent use of condoms. Both asymptomatic and symptomatic men and women who have traveled to an area of active Zika virus transmission and have a pregnant partner should abstain from sexual activity or use condoms consistently and correctly during sex for the duration of the pregnancy.
- Conduct routine mosquito control
- Treat standing water that will not be used for drinking or swimming with larvicides.
- Use outdoor and indoor insecticides according to label instructions to kill mosquitoes. Repair screens on windows and doors.
- Check your yard often for water-filled containers. Clean, empty, or cover those containers that hold water where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
- If you are sick with fever, rash, red eyes, or joint pain within 2 weeks after returning from a trip where Zika occurs, contact your physician.
- Contact your local vector control agency or health department if you detect unusual numbers of mosquitoes or you are being bitten during the day.
U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):
http://www.cdc.gov/zika
Calif. Dept. of Public Health: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/HealthInfo/discond/Pages/Zika.aspx
