Zika Virus

Zika is a virus that is primarily spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes and are typically mild and only seen in about 20% of cases. Symptoms can last for several days to a week. Once a person has been infected with Zika they are most likely protected from future infections. Current outbreaks of Zika are occurring in Central and South America, the Caribbean, and the Pacific Islands and the CDC has issued travel advisories for these areas.

Zika Virus and Microcephaly
Though symptoms in adults are typically mild studies show that pregnant women that contract Zika during pregnancy have an increased risk of having babies with microcephaly, eye or hearing difficulty, and impaired growth. Women can contract Zika by being bitten by a mosquito or through sexual contact with someone who currently has or recently was infected with the Zika virus.

Preventing Zika by PREVENTING MOSQUITO BITES                
Three D’s of Mosquito Bite Prevention

DUMP standing water – Even small containers in yards can make great habitat for mosquito breeding. Dump any standing water and replace bird bath water every 3-4 days. Don’t forget about gutters and dog bowls. 
                                                                                                            
DEFEND with repellent- Use an EPA registered repellent according to the label to discourage mosquitoes from biting.
                                                                                                                  

                                                                  
DRESS with protective clothing- wear long sleeved shirts and long pants and consider treating clothing with permethrin.

For more information about Zika please visit:
English - http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/index.html
Spanish - http://espanol.cdc.gov/enes/zika/about/index.html