Zika is what’s known as a flavivirus. It is transmitted by mosquitoes and was first identified in Uganda in 1947. In 2015, Zika virus began to circulate in the Americas, starting in northeastern Brazil.
No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease.
Zika virus transmission has not been identified within the continental United States; currently, all cases have occurred among travelers who visited areas where the Zika virus is circulating.
Because of the risk posed by Zika virus to pregnant women, they are recommended to postpone travel to areas where the virus is circulating.
Signs & Symptoms
If a person is bitten by a mosquito infected with Zika, they usually develop symptoms within 2 to 7 days after the bite; however, only about 1 in every 5 people infected will develop any signs or symptoms, which can include rash, fever, joint pain and red eyes (conjunctivitis).
The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.
Prevention
The most likely way to acquire Zika virus infection is through the bite of an infected mosquito. Other types of transmission, including perinatal, in utero, sexual contact, and possible transfusion-related transmission events, have also been reported.
The mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus--Aedes aegypti--are present in Arizona. Zika virus has not been identified in mosquitoes within Arizona, and there is no evidence that local transmission of disease is occurring.
Preventing mosquito bites, both at home and when traveling, is key to preventing the spread of Zika virus. You can also make sure there is no standing water around your home where mosquitoes can breed, such as in buckets, toys, or plant holders.
For more information about where these mosquitoes are found, please see the Arizona mosquito activity report.
(source: Arizona Department of Health Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)