Zika FAQs

To help patients and concerned community members, Winona Health’s Infection Control Committee is sharing a list of frequently asked questions about the Zika virus from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website. Below is information based on what is known about the virus as of February 19, 2016. Information related to the Zika Virus Disease is rapidly changing. For the latest information, visit these websites:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov
• World Health Organization at www.who.int

What is Zika virus disease? Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Zika is not currently found in the US. The mosquitoes that can carry Zika are found in some areas of the US. Where is Zika found? Zika infected mosquitos have historically existed in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. Since May of 2015, there has been an outbreak happening in Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, Puerto Rico, and the US Virgin Islands. How is Zika transmitted? Zika is transmitted in the following ways:

• through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito
• from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy
• through sexual contact

What are the symptoms of Zika virus disease? Note: 4 out of 5 infected individuals do NOT show signs of infection; only 1 in 5 become ill. Symptoms may include:

• Fever
• Rash
• Pain in the joints, especially in the hands and feet
• Red eyes

Symptoms begin 2-7 days following a bite from a Zika infected mosquito and are generally mild and last for several days to a week. What should you do if you have symptoms of Zika Virus Disease?

• Contact your healthcare provider.
• See your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes within 2 weeks after traveling to a place where Zika has been reported. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider where you traveled.

If you are diagnosed with the Zika virus:

• Treat the symptoms:
  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Take medicine to reduce fever and pain
  • Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
• There is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat Zika virus

How can I protect myself from getting the Zika virus? You can protect yourself (minimize the likelihood of getting bit by an infected mosquito) by:

• Avoiding travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing and if travel is required, protect yourself by:
  • Using air conditioning or window/door screens
  • Using mosquito repellents on exposed skin
  • Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants
  • Wearing permethrin-treated clothing
  • Emptying standing water from outdoor containers

There is no vaccine to protect you from getting the Zika virus Special Considerations regarding Pregnancy: Women who are pregnant (in any trimester) and plan to travel to Zika outbreak country:

• Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing
• If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip
• Zika can be spread from a mother to her fetus during pregnancy
• Infection during pregnancy may be linked to birth defects in babies

Women who are pregnant and have traveled to a Zika outbreak country:

• See your healthcare provider
• Your healthcare provider will consult with the CDC to determine if testing should be initiated. Testing may be offered from 2-12 weeks after a pregnant woman has returned from travel.

Women who are pregnant and their partner has traveled to a Zika outbreak country and the couple has had sexual intercourse without protection when their partner returned, should see their healthcare provider to determine if testing should be initiated.

• The man should consistently and correctly use a condom or abstain from sex throughout the duration of the pregnancy.

Women who are trying to become pregnant:

• Before you travel, talk to your healthcare provider about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection
• Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip

Breastfeeding

• To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed.

Unknowns at this time related to pregnancy and birth defects:

• It is unknown if there is a safe time during your pregnancy to travel to an area with Zika
• It is unknown if you do travel and are bitten:
  1. How likely you are to get Zika
  2. How likely it is that your baby will have birth defects from the infection

Zika Testing All Zika testing is conducted by the CDC and only performed when the CDC indicates. Information related to the Zika Virus Disease is rapidly changing. For the latest information, visit these websites: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention at www.cdc.gov World Health Organization at www.who.int