In February 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Zika virus to be a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The CDC raised its Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to Level 1 activation, the highest level. As this mosquito continues to spread, it is important for people all over the world to protect themselves from this disease.
Zika Virus Symptoms
Most people experience relatively benign, although annoying, symptoms after exposure to the Zika virus. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Muscle/Joint pain
- Headache
- Pain behind the eyes and Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Few people who get the virus visit the hospital. Many don’t even realize they have a sickness that may require medical attention, which makes it difficult to determine exactly how many people have been exposed.
The threat of the Zika virus is much greater for pregnant women. The Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. The virus can cause birth defects like microcephaly and other fetal brain defects. Microcephaly is a condition that prevents the brain from developing and growing correctly, resulting in a small, misshapen head.
Contracting Zika
Zika has historically been a problem for people living in Africa, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. More recently, researchers have found the virus in several U.S. territories, including Puerto Rico, American Samoa and the U.S. Virgin Islands. This raises concerns that the virus will continue to spread throughout the continental United States.
In the first half of 2016, the only Zika cases within the U.S. were contracted by people visiting other countries or sexually transmitted by someone who was affected abroad. However, in late July 2016 officials in southern Florida identified the first cases of Zika to be caused by mosquitoes right here in the continental U.S.
Protecting Yourself From Zika
Since Zika can cause serious health problems, it is important for people to learn how they can protect themselves from the virus. If you are traveling and pregnant or plan to become pregnant, visit the CDC’s Zika Travel Information page to ensure that your destination is not currently under a Zika Travel Notice.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suggests that using insect repellents can keep mosquitoes, and therefore the virus, at bay. An EPA-Registered repellent with one of the following active ingredients is recommended: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol. Since the mosquito that transmits Zika is a daytime biter it is important to re-apply repellent throughout the day, according to instructions.
To use insect repellents effectively and safely, spray it on clothing and exposed skin. Do not apply it to your mouth, eyes or any open wound areas. When applying to your face, spray it on your hands and wipe it on your skin. Visit our Application Tips section of the site for more detailed information.
Other ways to reduce the risk of Zika include:
- Wearing light-colored clothing when you go outside
- Keeping your arms and legs covered when possible
- Avoiding areas with large amounts of mosquitoes, such as places with standing water
- Using a screen to block mosquitoes from your home
- Eliminating standing water around your property where mosquitoes can breed
- Treating your property for mosquitoes
While you may not be able to single-handedly stop the spread of Zika, you can protect yourself, your loved ones or your employees by learning more about the disease, avoid pest bites by using an effective insect repellent, and by making informed decisions when spending time outdoors.
