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Health Department - Zika Virus

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1. What is Zika virus?

Zika virus disease is a viral disease spread to people through bites of infected Asian tiger and yellow fever mosquitoes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this mosquito-borne disease was first discovered in 1947 and is named after the Zika forest in Uganda. In 1952, the first human cases of Zika were detected and since then, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.

2. How serious is a Zika virus infection?

Among pregnant women, Zika virus can cause a birth defect known as microcephaly. In some cases, the virus has been linked to serious conditions and complications in adults and children, such as Guillain-Barre Syndrome.

3. Why should pregnant women take special precautions to prevent Zika?

A birth defect called microcephaly is caused by Zika. Microcephaly is a condition that causes a baby’s head to be smaller and less developed than most healthy babies and is an indicator that the brain didn’t develop properly. Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas where Zika is spreading and take steps to prevent mosquito bites and other exposures to Zika.

4. How do you get Zika?

Mosquito season in Virginia typically runs May 1 – October 31. Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopticus) is the most common cause of mosquito bites in Virginia and is capable of transmitting Zika. Mosquitoes pick up the virus from an infected human and then can infect another person by biting him or her. The virus can also be transmitted through sex with an infected partner and from mother to unborn child. Pets and other animals are not known to be infected with or to transmit Zika.

5. What are the symptoms of Zika?

The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). In some cases there can be headache and joint pain. About 80% of the people who are infected do not become sick or show any symptoms. People with symptoms should consult their doctors.

6. How long do symptoms of Zika last?

The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Of those people who do have symptoms, they usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital and they very rarely die of Zika. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected with Zika. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

7. How is Zika diagnosed?

Zika infection is diagnosed by a blood test typically drawn at the patient's doctor's office..

8. What is Loudoun County doing to help keep people safe from Zika?

The Loudoun County Health Department (LCHD) has been coordinating Zika preparedness and response efforts with the Virginia Department of Health in accordance with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance. LCHD has been working with the local medical community to best identify people at risk of Zika infection and to coordinate the evaluation of those approved for blood testing. LCHD also has developed response and communication plans. Throughout mosquito season, the department will be working closely with various stakeholders to inform the community about Zika virus and the steps that people should take to minimize the threat of Zika through various communication channels that include public schools, health care providers, educational brochures, and online platforms, such as social media, e-news, and website.

9. Why is it important to know if a case of Zika was transmitted locally instead of through travel?

It is important to know about Zika cases related to travel because these people can transmit Zika virus to local Asian tiger mosquitoes. A locally-transmitted case occurs when Asian tiger mosquitoes that are around a person who was infected with Zika abroad bite him or her, and then transmit Zika virus to others in our community.

10. Where can I learn more about Zika?

Additional information is available online at www.loudoun.gov/zika www.vdh.virginia.gov/zika and www.cdc.gov/zika, and by email at health@loudoun.gov.