Zika Facts and Resources
The Zika virus is spread by mosquitos and results in illness that often resembles many viral infections. The greatest threat Zika poses is to pregnant women because it can cause serious fetal brain defects, including microcephaly.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. Since then, the virus has spread enough throughout South and Central America that it has been labeled a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization. There have been several confirmed cases of Zika in the United States, including some that have resulted in birth defects.
Arizona's District One has a number of communities that are particularly vulnerable to the Zika virus, including our rural and Native American communities. It is important to understand the resources available so the virus can be prevented and, if necessary, treated.
Zika Virus Facts
What is the Zika virus?
The Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted virus that originated in Africa and is newly introduced to the Americas. It is related to yellow fever and the West Nile virus. The virus may also be sexually transmitted.
How dangerous is the Zika virus?
The virus itself causes little lasting harm to the afflicted individual, with symptoms ranging from eye and joint pain to fever and headaches; however, nearly 80 percent of those infected develop no symptoms at all. The greatest threat the virus poses is to pregnant women because it can cause microcephaly and other brain and nerve defects in the fetus.
How is the Zika virus diagnosed?
Since there are often no symptoms of the Zika virus and it is closely related to other types of viral infections, Zika can be difficult to diagnose -- there is no widely available test for the virus. The only current method of identifying the virus is to send a tissue sample to a laboratory for advanced molecular testing. Such testing is only highly accurate when the tissue is collected within a week after exposure, and false positives are possible after that period.
Where is the Zika virus being reported?
Cases of Zika have been reported in every state in the United States, including Arizona. However, all reported case thus far have been related to individuals traveling to areas where the Zika virus is prevalent, namely Central and South America.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued travel notices related to the Zika virus in more than 30 countries and territories throughout South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands and Central America, as well as a travel advisory for Mexico. The CDC also expects the Zika virus to reach South Florida and the Gulf Coast in the future, should it continue to spread at current rates.
What should you do to stay safe?
Individuals, particularly pregnant women, should avoid traveling to countries where the Zika virus has spread. If you are pregnant and have recently traveled to a country where the Zika virus is active, you should be tested for the virus as soon as possible. Since the Zika virus can be transmitted sexually, the CDC suggests that anyone who returns from a Zika-prone region should wait 8 weeks before attempting to become pregnant.
Is there any treatment?
There is no specific treatment for the Zika virus -- the virus usually goes away on its own with proper rest and supportive care.
CDC Resources
- Zika Virus Overview
- Zika Travel Notices
- Zika Prevention
- Zika Transmission
- Zika Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
- Zika Map