Zika Virus Basics
What is Zika virus (Zika)? Viral infection caused by the bite of an infected mosquito Linked to serious birth defects and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika while pregnant Outbreaks typically occur in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands
Zika background Initially discovered in mosquitoes in Uganda in 1948 Detected in humans in Nigeria in 1954 Regularly found in Africa and Asia First outbreak outside Africa and Asia occurred in the Federated States of Micronesia in 2007
Zika in the Americas In May 2015, Brazil reported the first outbreak of Zika in the Americas Zika now present in tropical areas List of affected countries likely to change For up-to-date lists of countries visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html or the PAHO website: www.paho.org
IMPORTANT FACT! A WIDESPREAD OUTBREAK IN THE CONTINENTAL UNITED STATES IS NOT EXPECTED.
The countries of the Americas have been responding robustly to the Zika threat in collaboration with PAHO/WHO and other international partners. -Dr. Carissa F. Etienne, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
Zika the disease
Symptoms 1 in 5 people develop symptoms (usually mild) Symptoms usually begin 2-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and last several days to a week Hospitalization and deaths from Zika are rare The most common symptoms of Zika: Fever Rash Joint pain Conjunctivitis (red eyes) Other common symptoms include: Muscle pain Headache
How do people get Zika? Usually spreads to people through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito Same mosquito that spreads dengue and chikungunya Virus has also been found in semen and person-to-person sexual transmission has been documented (uncommon)
IMPORTANT FACT! ZIKA IS NOT AN AIRBORNE DISEASE AND CANNOT BE SPREAD BY COUGHING, SNEEZING OR TALKING.
What is an incubation period? The time from when a person was infected with the virus to the time symptoms begin to show For Zika it is typically 2-7 days
Zika and pregnancy
Zika and pregnancy Zika can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika while pregnant Until more is known about the link between Zika and these outcomes, CDC recommends special precautions for women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant
What is microcephaly? Microcephaly is a condition where a baby s head is much smaller than expected It can occur because a baby s brain has not developed properly during pregnancy or has stopped growing after birth The data to provide evidence linking Zika and babies born with small heads and potential brain damage are not yet conclusive
Zika and pregnancy: special precautions Pregnant women (in any trimester): Women trying to become pregnant: Postpone travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection Strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip
IMPORTANT FACT! ZIKA TESTING IS CURRENTLY ONLY BEING PERFORMED ON CERTAIN POPULATIONS.
Zika prevention
Preventing Zika infection Currently no vaccine/preventive drug Best prevention method is to avoid mosquito bites when traveling: EPA-registered insect repellent Air conditioning, window screens, mosquito netting Routinely emptying or changing standing water Wearing long sleeves and pants (weather permitting)
IMPORTANT FACT! IF YOU HAVE ZIKA, AVOID MOSQUITO BITES FOR THE FIRST WEEK OF YOUR ILLNESS.
Credible Sources of Information Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) World Health Organization (WHO) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) New Jersey Department of Health (NJDOH) Local Health Departments
Questions that people often ask
Who is at highest risk for getting infected with Zika? Anyone living in or traveling to an area where Zika is found, who has not already been infected with Zika Includes pregnant women
What should I know about Aedes mosquitoes? Aedes mosquitoes transmit Zika, chikungunya and dengue Bite outdoors and indoors during the day Strongly attracted to bite humans Use natural habitats (tree holes) and artificial containers (pet dishes) with water to lay eggs
What is the difference between Zika, chikungunya and dengue? Zika, chikungunya and dengue present similar symptoms, but certain symptoms suggest one disease or another Higher Fever More Severe Muscle Pain More Intense Joint Pain Skin Rash Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes) Zika Chikungunya Dengue
How is Zika treated? No FDA-approved vaccine or medicine (e.g., antiviral drug) is available for Zika Symptoms of Zika are treated as they appear and include rest, fluids and medicines such as acetaminophen or paracetamol Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen, should be avoided until dengue can be ruled out to reduce risk of increased bleeding
Can I travel to countries affected by the outbreak? Everyone who travels to areas with ongoing transmission of Zika should protect themselves from mosquito bites Women who are pregnant (in any trimester) should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika transmission is ongoing If you are pregnant and must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel Women who are trying to become pregnant should talk to their doctor about plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika before travel and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during travel
What are EPA-registered insect repellents? Insect repellents registered by the EPA are reviewed and approved for human safety and effectiveness when applied according to the label instructions Product must display it is EPA-registered All insect repellents should be used according to the label instructions
Is it safe to get pregnant after traveling to a country with Zika? Virus usually remains in blood for about one week Zika will not cause infections in a baby conceived after the virus is cleared from the blood
Can Zika be spread through breastfeeding? No reports of infants getting Zika through breastfeeding to date Mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika is found Mothers who breastfeed in areas where Zika is found should practice mosquito prevention measures
Be aware, not afraid.
What is CDC doing about Zika? Laboratories trained to test for chikungunya and dengue have prepared these labs for Zika testing CDC is working with international public health partners and state health departments CDC is working to: Alert healthcare providers and the public about Zika Provide state health laboratories with diagnostic tests Detect and report cases, helping prevent further spread
What is NJ doing about Zika? NJDOH is communicating with LHDs and health care providers to increase awareness: - Health alert messages - Conference calls Updated information is posted to NJDOH website
Where to learn more CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/ CDC hotline: 1-800-CDC INFO (1-800-232-4636) TTY: 888-232-6348 NJ Department of Health website: http://www.nj.gov/health/cd/zika/index.shtml
Questions?