Diet, Food & Fitness

What is Zika and how does it spread?
Zika is a virus that spreads to people primarily through a bite of an infected mosquito. Many areas in the U.S. have the type of mosquito that can spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes usually bite in the day but can also bite at night.
Zika can be spread through sex. Zika can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn child.
What are the symptoms of Zika?
Many people infected with Zika will have mild or no symptoms. Symptoms can last for several days to a week. Zika symptoms include:

Usually, people do not get sick enough to go to the hospital and they very rarely die of Zika.
Is Zika more risky for some people?
Yes. Zika is more risky for pregnant women and their unborn children. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause babies to have certain birth defects.
What areas around the world have Zika?
Zika outbreaks are happening in many countries and are changing over time. Before you travel, be sure to visit www.cdc.gov/travel for the latest Zika travel advisories.
How can i protect myself and my family from Zika?
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent Zika is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent. Always follow the directions on the bottle.
• Spray your clothing and gear with permethrin to help protect you from mosquito bites. Always follow the directions on the bottle.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts and long pants and dress children in clothing that covers arms and legs.
• Stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Remove standing water around your home.
• Apply insect repellent to children (but not babies younger than 2 months).
• Spray insect repellent on hands to apply to a child’s face.
• Cover cribs, strollers and baby carriers with mosquito netting.

What pregnant women need to know about Zika
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause babies to have certain birth defects. Pregnant women can take the following steps to help prevent Zika:

• DO NOT TRAVEL TO AREAS WHERE ZIKA VIRUS IS SPREAD.
  If you have to travel, talk to your doctor before traveling to the area and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during the trip.
• ZIKA VIRUS CAN BE SPREAD DURING SEX.
  If your partner lives in or has traveled to areas with Zika, use a condom every time you have sex, or do not have sex during your pregnancy.
• TAKE STEPS TO PREVENT MOSQUITO BITES:
  • Keep mosquitoes out of your room day and night. If your room is not well screened, use a bed net when sleeping or resting.
  • Use an EPA-registered insect repellent to keep mosquitoes from biting you. Always follow the directions on the bottle.
  • Spray your clothing and gear with permethrin to help protect you from mosquito bites. Always follow the directions on the bottle.
• TALK TO YOUR DOCTOR TODAY…
  If you have traveled to an area with Zika, if you think you might have Zika, or if you had sex with a person who spent time in an area with Zika.