Transmission, Symptoms and Prevention of the Zika Virus

Details

• Personal Author:
  Vance NK
• Description:
  Transmission of ZIKV: Zika virus (ZIKV) is known to spread to people through mosquito bites via mosquitoes of the Aedes species. About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus become ill. This is particularly important if there has been recent travel to countries affected by ZIKV. There have been reports in Brazil of microcephaly in babies of mothers who had been exposed to the ZIKV. However, more research is needed to find a direct link. Nonetheless, the CDC suggests that pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to regions where the ZIKV is active. Women trying to get pregnant should consult with their doctor or health provider before travel to those regions. Symptoms of Zika: Illness resulting from ZIKV infection is typically mild, with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Symptoms of ZIKV include: Fever; Rash; Joint pain; Muscle pain; Headache; Conjunctivitis (red eyes). According to the CDC, symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Because the symptoms of ZIKV are mild, it is difficult for people to recognize that they may be infected; as such, it is important to pay attention to whether any mosquito bites were sustained 2 to 7 days prior to the appearance of symptoms. The CDC further indicates that the need for hospitalization is uncommon, while deaths resulting from ZIKV are quite rare. Prevention of ZIKV Transmission: Whether a person is infected or not, the best way to prevent the spread of ZIKV is to avoid getting mosquito bites. If you or someone you know plans on traveling to countries where ZIKV virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes (such as dengue or chikungunya) are found, take insect repellents when traveling inside and outside of the country. When used as directed, insect repellents are safe and effective for everyone, including pregnant and nursing women. Most insect repellents can be used on children in proper concentrations. Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus in children under the age of three years. Repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, and some oil of lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol products provide long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent. Do not spray insect repellent on the skin under your clothing. Always follow the label instructions when using insect repellent or sunscreen. Treat clothing with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated clothing. When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes out of your home, hotel room or place of work. Remember that the mosquitoes are believed to transmit ZIKV bite during the daytime as well as early morning and evening. Help reduce the number of mosquitoes inside and outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets. Treatment: Currently no vaccine exists to prevent ZIKV disease. Follow these guidelines to treat symptoms: Get plenty of rest; Drink fluids; Take fever- and pain-relieving medicine. Do NOT take Aspirin or NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen). Travel: CDC has issued a travel alert for people traveling to regions and certain countries where ZIKV transmission is ongoing. Follow the latest CDC guidance regarding areas affected with ZIKV at http://www.cdc.gov. [Description provided by NIOSH]
• Subjects:
  Communicable Diseases Health Promotion Occupational Health Public Health Safety Viral Diseases
• Keywords:
  Disease Prevention Disease Transmission Disease Vectors Health Promotion Infectious Diseases Insect Repellents Public Health Safety Education Viral Diseases
• Publisher:
  The Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education
• Document Type:
  Text
• Funding:
  Cooperative Agreement
• Genre:
  Guidance
• Place as Subject:
  OSHA Region 6 ; Texas
• CIO:
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
• Topic:
  Workplace Safety & Health
• Location:
  North America
• NIOSHTIC Number:
  nn:20053322
• Citation:
  Monthly Safety Blast. Tyler, TX: The Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education, 2016 Feb; :website
• Email:
  agcenter@uthct.edu
• Federal Fiscal Year:
  2016
• NORA Priority Area:
  Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing
• Performing Organization:
  University of Texas Health Center at Tyler
• Peer Reviewed:
  False
• Start Date:
  20010930
• Source Full Name:
  Monthly Safety Blast
• End Date:
  20270929
• Collection(s):
  National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
• Main Document Checksum:
  urn:sha-512:932e996e1d7dca83793ef81820d1bdac3b932f7e221123966bf9f0182e636ad58cc7b45f4520226fa69a08e11a9416d0c2b77c793fafe2e2a908df2f879fa2df
• Download URL:
  https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/216108/cdc_216108_DS1.pdf
• File Type:
  [PDF - 179.85 KB ]