A Healthier You Zika Virus Prevention What is the Zika Virus? Zika is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. This is the same mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya. Outbreaks typically occur in tropical Africa, southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. In May 2015, Brazil reported the first outbreak of Zika in the Americas. Zika is now present in many tropical areas. What are the signs and symptoms of this virus in people? The most common symptoms of Zika include:  Fever  Rash  Joint pain  Conjunctivitis (red eyes) Other common symptoms include:  Muscle pain  Headache Symptoms usually begin 2-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last several days to a week. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Visit your healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where Zika has been found. Who should take special precautions? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends special precautions for the following groups:  Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):  Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.  If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.  Women who are trying to become pregnant:  Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.  Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip. Somerset County Department of Health Currently, no vaccine or medicine exists to prevent or treat Zika

What can you do to protect yourself? When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes are found, take the following steps:  Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants when possible  Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.  Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside  Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) registered insect repellents.  Put sunscreen on first, then apply approved insect repellent NOTE: Many insect repellents are safe for pregnant women and children to use, but be sure to check the product label for any warnings and follow the instructions closely. Somerset County Department of Health Simple techniques to get rid of mosquitoes around your home:  Get rid of still or stagnant water at least weekly, so they don’t have a place to lay their eggs  Install and maintain doors and windows around your house  Remove water inside and underneath trash cans and recycling bins; cover the cans when not in use.  Remove old furniture, mattresses, or trash from the yards as these may give ticks a place to hide.  Take care of your yard and property.  Keep an eye out for junk collection days, to get rid of unwanted yard debris and materials  If tires are used for decoration or swing sets, drill holes in the bottom for drainage.  For pools, clean and chlorinate even when not in use. Taking care of your yard and property is not only a good thing to do from a community perspective; it also will provide a safer place for you and your family to live. Where can I learn more? For the most up-to-date information on the Zika Virus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: