overseas? Are mosquitoes spreading Zika in the U.S.? ... call the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department at 785-843-0
Zika virus
Your questions answered
What is Zika?
How do people get Zika?
Zika is a virus that infects mosquitoes. If you are bitten by mosquitoes infected with Zika, you could get the virus. If you have traveled to countries or areas in the U.S. where Zika is common, you could be exposed to the virus from a mosquito bite. Zika also can be spread: • During sex with someone infected with Zika. • From a pregnant women to her fetus during pregnancy or around time of birth. • Through blood transfusion (likely, but not confirmed).
What are the symptoms?
Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms are: fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Zika is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
What is the risk?
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth, such as defects of the eye, hearing deficits and impaired growth. There have also been increased reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, in areas affected by Zika.
Is it safe to travel overseas?
Pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant should discuss their travel plans with their doctor. It is important for everyone to be aware of the countries or areas in the U.S. experiencing outbreaks of Zika. These are listed on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website at cdc.gov/travel/notices.
Are mosquitoes spreading Zika in the U.S.?
Yes. There have been Zika cases in Florida, but most of the Zika cases have been in individuals who have traveled or who have had sexual contact with a person who traveled to a country where Zika is circulating in the mosquito populations. The CDC anticipates that there may be additional cases of Zika in the coming weeks due to infected mosquitoes in the U.S.
What Can YOU Do? How can I prevent Zika?
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Here’s how: • Stay in places with air conditioning and windows and use door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. • Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home. • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. Always follow the product label instructions. - When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women. - Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old. - Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old. • Wear lightweight, long-sleeved shirts and long pants. • Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated items. • Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites. • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air-conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors. • Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.
How do I treat Zika?
There is no specific medicine to treat Zika. Treat the symptoms by getting plenty of rest, drinking fluids to prevent dehydration and taking medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain. If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your health care provider before taking additional medication.
What if I traveled to an area with Zika?
During the first week of return home, strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites because you could be infected and not have any symptoms. If you are pregnant or become pregnant, see your doctor.
UPDATED 7/29/16
This fact sheet is for information only and is not intended for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation. If you have any questions about the disease described above or think that you may have an infection, consult with your health care provider.
For more information about Zika virus, call the Lawrence-Douglas County Health Department at 785-843-0721 or visit our website: ldchealth.org
