Zika Virus

Overview

How can I get sick?  

• Zika virus is spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has the virus.  

Symptoms in humans:  

Most people who are bit by a mosquito that has the virus won’t get sick, but some people will have the following symptoms:  

• Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal) 
• Rash 
• Headache 
• Joint pain 
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)  
• Muscle pain 

What can I do to stay healthy? 

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. 

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.  

• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.   
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.  
• Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.  
• Remove anything that will bring mosquitoes into your home. For example, emptying standing water from pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers.  

What to do when traveling overseas 

• Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.  
• Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.   
• Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.  
• Choose a hotel or place to stay that has air conditioning or windows and doors with screens to keep mosquitos outside.  
• Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or if you are staying in a room with no screens on windows or doors.  

*Definitions: 

• Infected: When germs get inside of a body, animal, or an organism.
• Insect Repellent: Product applied to skin, clothing or surfaces to keep insects away.