Zika Virus

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Zika

Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is contracted primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (A. aegypti and possibly A. albopictus). Common symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting several days to a week. Zika is rarely fatal and usually doesn’t require a trip to the hospital. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected. Once infected, a person is likely protected from future infection.

Transmission

Mosquito bites are the primary way that Zika virus is transmitted. The virus can also be spread from mother to child. Spread through blood transfusion and sexual contact have also been reported. Most Texas cases of Zika happen when people were bitten by an infected mosquito while traveling and diagnosed after returning home.

Even if you don’t know you’re infected, mosquitoes that bite you may pick up certain viruses, such as Zika and take in the virus in the human’s blood. Then, after about 7-10 days, the mosquito may pass the Zika virus to other humans when biting them.

Not all mosquitos transmit the Zika virus. Infected Aedes mosquitos are mainly found in South Texas and along the Texas coast, but are also present in other parts of Texas, especially urban environments. They typically lay eggs on the walls of water-filled containers like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots, and vases. They live both indoors and outdoors.

Associated conditions

Although rare, the Zika virus may also be among the causes of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition in which the immune system attacks the nervous system.

The Zika virus has been linked to birth defects such as microcephaly, a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected and can cause developmental delays.

There have not been any reports of pets or other kinds of animals spreading or contracting Zika. Read more about Zika and animals on the CDC website.

Contracting Zika

Through Sexual Contact

Zika can be spread through sexual contact. CDC recommends all pregnant women who have traveled to or reside inan area with active Zika virus transmission use a barrier birth-control method for sex or avoid sex during pregnancy.

Although no cases of woman-to-woman Zika transmission have been reported, these recommendations now also apply to female sex partners of pregnant women. Research shows the virus may persist in semen longer than in blood.

Pregnant women should discuss with their health care provider their own and their sex partner’s history of having been in areas with active Zika virus transmission and history of illness consistent with Zika virus disease.

For more information, read the CDC’s guidance for prevention of sexual transmission and advice for Women & Their Partners Trying to Become Pregnant.

Through Blood Transfusion

Although, Zika can be spread through blood transfusion, there have not been any confirmed Zika cases in the US from blood-transfusion. According to the American Association of Blood Banks, the best way to protect blood supplies is to screen donors using the donor history questionnaire and asking about recent travel to areas with active Zika transmission. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration advises testing for Zika virus in all donated blood and blood components.

Prevention

Vaccination

Currently, there is no vaccine or treatment for the Zika virus.

Prevent Mosquito Breeding

The best protection is taking the following precautions to prevent mosquito breeding:

Get rid of cans, buckets, old tires, pots, plant saucers, and other containers that hold water.
Keep gutters clear of debris and standing water.
Remove standing water around structures and from flat roofs.
Change water in pet dishes daily.
Rinse and scrub vases and other indoor water containers weekly.
Change water in wading pools and bird baths several times a week.
Clean pools and hot tubs.
Cover trash containers.
Water lawns and gardens carefully so water does not stand for several days.
Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks or cisterns.
Treat front and back doorways with residual insecticides if mosquitoes are abundant nearby.
If mosquito problems persist, consider applying pesticide around the home.

Prevent Mosquito Bites

Apply Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Keep mosquitoes out by using air conditioning instead of open doors and windows
Use door and window screens when open.
Limit outdoor activities during peak mosquito times, usually dawn and dusk.
Travelers to areas where Zika is being spread should protect themselves from mosquito bites while abroad and for 21 days after returning home and to keep from spreading the virus to mosquitoes in Texas in case the travelers were exposed to Zika.

Additional Steps to Prevent Zika During Pregnancy

Zika can also be spread from a pregnant mother to her fetus. For more information, Read more about preventing Zika during pregnancy. In addition to the prevention and protection steps listed above, also:

Avoid travel to regions where the Zika virus is active.
Pregnant women should discuss with their healthcare provider their and their partners’ travel to areas with active Zika transmission and history of illness consistent with Zika virus disease.
Call your doctor if you have concerns.
Protect yourself from sexual transmission.