Zika Resource Center

U.S. Senator Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) is providing New Mexicans with critical resources and raising awareness about the health threat posed by the Zika virus. This page provides information about the virus and tools to help New Mexicans stay healthy. Visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website for the latest information on the Zika Virus. 

Why is Zika risky for some people?

Zika infection during pregnancy can cause fetuses to have a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Other problems have been detected among fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus before birth, such as defects of the eye, hearing deficits, and impaired growth. There have also been increased reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, in areas affected by Zika. 

What you need to know about Zika and how to stay healthy

Transmission

  • Zika is primarily spread to people through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy, and it can be sexually transmitted by a man to his partners.
  • The graphic above illustrates how the Zika virus is transmitted. Learn more about TRANSMISSION>>

Treatment & Prevention

  • The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Here’s how:
    • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
    • Stay in places with air conditioning, windows, and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
    • Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.
    • Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated items.
    • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. 
    • When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
    • Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old.
    • Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
    • Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs to protect them from mosquito bites.
    • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
    • Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.

Symptoms & Diagnosis

  • For most, the symptoms of Zika are mild, and can include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. In some cases people with Zika may also experience muscle pain and headache. Symptoms can last for a few days or a week. Learn more about SYMPTOMS & DIAGNOSIS>>

Pregnant Women & Zika

  • Zika has been linked to microcephaly in developing fetuses, which can lead to below-average head size, developmental difficulties, and brain damage. Learn more about ZIKA & PREGNANCY>>

Zika & Travel

Zika & New Mexico

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