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1. What is Zika?

Zika is a virus that is spread primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can cause illness that lasts several days or up to a week.

2. What are the symptoms of Zika infection?

About four out of five people infected with Zika virus don’t experience any symptoms. For people who develop illness, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika virus infection.

3. How can somebody get Zika?

The most common way to get Zika virus is from the bite of an infected mosquito. The same mosquito that spreads Zika can also transmit other viruses, including dengue and chikungunya viruses. These mosquitoes can bite all day long, and also into the evenings and early mornings. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus in the first few days of illness.

Zika virus can also be passed from mother to baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Studies are still being performed to learn more about how mothers can pass the virus to their babies. There have also been several reported cases of Zika virus infection through sexual contact, and possibly blood transfusions.

4. Is there a treatment for Zika?

There is no specific medicine to treat Zika infection. Getting plenty of rest and drinking fluids to prevent dehydration is helpful. Taking acetaminophen will reduce fever and pain. It is not recommended to take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs due to possible risks from dengue virus.

5. What is the risk for Zika in Santa Cruz County?

There is currently one confirmed travel-associated case of Zika virus in Santa Cruz County. Although Aedes aegypti, a type of mosquito that can transmit Zika virus, is present in the county, there is no evidence that the virus is here.

Zika could be introduced in Arizona if someone was infected with Zika virus while traveling, and then bitten by a mosquito in Arizona during the first few days of illness. This infected mosquito could then spread the disease to other people. Although this is possible, local transmission of Zika virus or other diseases transmitted by the same mosquito has not occurred in Arizona. Zika virus transmission could also occur in Arizona through sexual contact.

6. What is the County Health Department doing to prepare for Zika virus?

Santa Cruz County Health Services has increased their trapping and surveillance in the County. County Health Services has been working closely with the Arizona Department of Health Services to provide information to the public and healthcare providers.

7. What can people do to prevent mosquito bites?

Here are some tips for avoiding mosquito bites:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
Stay in places with window and door screens or air conditioning to keep mosquitoes out.
Use insect repellants and always follow the product instructions.
Reapply insect repellant as directed.
Do not spray insect repellant on skin covered by clothing.
Be sure to apply sunscreen before applying insect repellant.
Use Permethrin to treat clothing and gear. Permethrin is registered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an insecticide for use against mosquitoes, as well many other insects. Clothing treated with Permethrin will remain protective after multiple washes.

If you have a baby or young child:

Do not use insect repellant on babies younger than two months old.
Dress your children in clothing that covers their arms and legs.
Cover cribs, strollers, and baby carriers with mosquito netting.
Do not put insect repellant on children’s hands, eyes, mouths, cuts, or irritated skin.
Adults: Spray repellant onto your hands and then apply to children’s faces.