Zika virus - What you need to know

  • Published
  • By 341st Medical Group Public Health
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  The Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (A. Aegypti and A. albopictus). These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters, but can also bite at night. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. Zika virus may also be spread by an individual through sexual contact, through a blood transfusion or from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy. 

There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who were infected with the Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and birth defects is evolving, but until more is known the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend special precautions for pregnant women. Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus is spreading. Individuals travelling to one of the following areas should talk to their health care provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.

Zika virus outbreaks are currently occurring in Central America, South America, the Oceania/Pacific Islands and Africa. As of March 9, 2016, there have been 193 disease cases reported in the United States. All of these cases were travel related. There have not been any cases of locally transmitted Zika virus in the U.S., however the U.S. territories of American Samoa, Puerto Rico and U.S. Virgin Islands have had 173 cases of local mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus. 

The Zika virus is not currently found in the U.S., although the U.S. mainland does have the Aedes species mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes are found primarily in the south-eastern areas of the U.S., ranging as far north as Nebraska and New Jersey and as far west as Texas. The CDC anticipates that the number of Zika virus cases among travelers visiting or returning to the U.S. will likely increase. These imported cases may result in the local spread of the Zika virus in some areas of the U.S.

Zika virus illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. About one in five people infected with Zika virus develop symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. The incubation period, the time from exposure to symptoms, for the Zika virus disease is not known, but is likely to be a few days to a week. People usually do not get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika virus. Individuals should see their health care provider if they develop a fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes within two weeks after traveling to a place where Zika virus has been reported. Be sure to tell health care providers where travel was conducted.

The Zika virus poses no significant risk with proper use of countermeasures to prevent mosquito bites. The primary method of prevention is using insect repellants when outdoors. Other methods of prevention include wearing long sleeves and pants, using permethrin-treated clothing and gear, and reducing the amount of time spent outdoors. Staying in air-conditioned quarters with screened windows and doors, using mosquito bed nets if sleeping outdoors or in quarters without screened windows and doors, and reducing mosquito breeding areas by emptying outdoor containers that hold standing water can also help prevent mosquito bites.

The 341st Medical Group would like to remind all travelers visiting areas outside of the U.S. that Public Health is available to assist individuals with health threats and vaccination recommendations based on the country or countries that they are visiting. Individuals can also visit the CDC website, www.cdc.gov, and the traveler's health section to find information on health threats for country specific health threat information. For questions regarding Zika virus or other potential health threats associated with a travel location, contact Public Health at 406-731-4405.