​Zika Virus

photo of Aedes mosquito

Aedes mosquito photo source: WHO

Recent News

NEW Map: ESTIMATED range of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in the United States, 2017

A to Zika: Everything you need to know about Zika Virus

Areas with Zika

CDC Zika Travel Notices

Did you know?

"About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected." - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

The Facts

  • Zika is transmitted by infected Aedes mosquitoes.
  • Symptoms include mild fever, skin rash and red eyes. Symptoms normally last for 2-7 days.
  • The best form of prevention is protecting against mosquito bites.
  • There is no specific vaccine or treatment for Zika.

​Zika FAQs

What is the status at UW-Stevens Point?

Aedes albopictus, one species of mosquito that is capable of transmitting Zika, has been identified in Wisconsin during July 2017. There is no evidence of Zika-infected mosquitoes in Wisconsin. (Source: Wisconsin Department of Health Services)

Students

  • If you travel to a Zika-infected area AND develop symptoms, you should call UW-Stevens Point Student Health Service at 715-346-4646 to be seen by a clinician. Tell them you may have been exposed to the Zika virus.

Faculty and Staff

  • If you travel to a Zika-infected area AND develop symptoms, you should see your health care provider and tell them you may have been exposed to the Zika virus.

Symptoms

Symptoms include:

  • a fever
  • joint pain
  • red eyes
  • rash

Source: WHO Zika virus Factsheet

Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week.

How is Zika transmitted?

Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes.

  • Aedes mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters but can also bite at night
  • Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the Zika virus

Zika can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth.

Source: How is Zika Transmitted? (CDC)

MAP: Distribution of Aedes mosquitos in the U.S.

CDC Maps: ESTIMATED range of Aedes albopictus and Aedes aegypti in the United States, 2017

CDC: Surveillance and Control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the United States

Prevention

The best way to prevent Zika is to protect against mosquito bites.

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants (preferably light-colored)

  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitos outside

  • Sleep under a mosquito net if you are overseas or outside and unable to protect yourself from mosquito bites

  • Prevent moquito breeding: empty, clean, or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tires

  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy permethrin-treated items

CDC Mosquito Bite Prevention (United States)
CDC Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers

Information for International Travelers
CDC infographic

Areas with Zika

CDC Zika Travel Notices

Some international travelers have become sick with Zika after traveling abroad. If you are travelling to any Zika-affected country follow these guidelines:

  • Visit your doctor prior to departure to discuss the threat of Zika virus at your destination. Students may visit the Student Health Service on campus to discuss upcoming travel plans.

  • Use insect repellent containing at least 20% or more DEET.

  • Wear long sleeves, pants, socks and hats to cover as much skin as comfortable.

  • Prevent mosquitos from coming indoors.

  • Monitor yourself for symptoms. If you get sick while traveling in a Zika-infected area or shortly after returning home, seek medical attention. Tell your doctor you may have been exposed to the Zika virus.

CDC Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers
CDC Protect Yourself from Mosquito Bites

VIDEO: What to know before you go

A to Zika: Everything you need to know about Zika virus

Zika Virus Health Information Resource Guide

Zika Virus: Health Information Guide

This page is no longer being updated.

For the most recent publications on Zika, please see Disaster Lit: The Database for Disaster Medicine and Public Health

U.S. Federal Agencies

U.S. Organizations

International Organizations

 

National Government (non-U.S.) Web Sites

 

Updates from U.S. States and Territories

 

Pregnancy and Zika Virus

 

Free Resources from Publishers for Medical Responders

Leading global health bodies including academic journals, NGOs, research funders and institutes, have committed to sharing data and results relevant to the current Zika crisis and future public health emergencies as rapidly and openly as possible.

 

Biomedical Journal Literature and Reports

From PubMed - Biomedical PubMed

MeSH Descriptors were added to PubMed on 1/28/2106: Zika Virus Infection and Zika Virus

 

From DisasterLit - Resources and Documents

 

Situation Reports

 

Genome, Sequences, and Virus Variation

 

Laboratory Detection and Diagnosis of Zika Virus

  • Pan American Health Organization, World Health Organization
  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services

 

Clinical Trials

 

Research, Development and Funding

 

Surveillance and Control of Mosquito Vectors

 

Maps

 

Social Media

 

Multilingual Resources

 

Resources for the General Public

Syndicated Content Details:
Source URL: https://disasterinfo.nlm.nih.gov/dimrc/zikavirus.html
Source Agency: National Library of Medicine (NLM)
Captured Date: 2016-02-09 19:59:00.0
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Page last reviewed: January 19, 2018

Page last updated: January 19, 2018