Zika Virus
Zika Virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted via mosquito bites. It is estimated that 80 percent of those infected with Zika virus are without symptoms. Symptomatic disease is usually mild and symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). There is currently no vaccine or other preventative medication for Zika virus.
According to the CDC, with the recent outbreaks and the number of cases increasing among travelers returning the United States, it is difficult to determine how widely the virus will spread. For more information, see the CDC page on Zika virus.
According to the CDC, Zika virus is chiefly spread through mosquito bites, although, recently, transmission via sexual contact, blood transfusion, and to newborns during pregnancy has been documented. The primary risk is to pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant, as the virus is associated with birth defects in infants. For this reason, the CDC advises women who are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, to postpone travel to these areas.
Unlike mosquito-borne illness here in Massachusetts, Zika virus is spread by mosquitoes that bite during the day. This means that when traveling in an area with Zika virus activity, it is especially important to take steps to prevent mosquito bites during daytime hours, as well as between dusk and dawn. Please review the recommendations for prevention here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html.
Zika symptoms are typically mild and may include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes and generally last 2–7 days. Eighty percent of those infected with Zika virus are asymptomatic. There is currently no vaccine to prevent Zika virus or medication to treat Zika virus.
If you are planning to travel to any of the Zika virus–affected areas, please follow the prevention guidelines. Since transmission is ongoing, areas with the virus are likely to change over time. In addition, scientists are learning more about this virus with each passing week. For these reasons, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health site for the most updated information and make sure that you are reading the most recent update.
Below are links to information to assist in decision making and precautions for travel to these areas: