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Zika Virus

Microscopic view of the Zika virus with text "What is? Zika Virus".

Zika is spread mostly by the bite of the invasive Aedes species mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite primarily during the day, indoors and outdoors.

Zika can be in your body for months. This means, men, women and children are susceptible.

In some cases, Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

How to Prevent Zika

Repel, Don't Swell

"Prevent mosquito bites: use repellents with DEET, Picaridin, Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus, or IR3535. Safe and effective."

Use insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away. Using repellent should be as common as using sunscreen.

Traveling soon? Don't forget to pack repellent.

More info on repellents here

World outbreak of Zika - is it where you're going?

Tip 'n Toss, Show Mosquitoes Who's Boss

Common mosquito sources. 

Plant growing in a jar with roots in water, next to a row of books by a window.
Aquatic plants
Three large barrels near a black metal door, with plants and a stone path nearby.
Rain barrels and buckets
A stone fountain with small elephant and animal figurines on a pebbled ground, set against a light green wall.
Fountains
A stone bird bath with water, surrounded by plants and rocks in a garden setting.
bird baths
Black garbage bag with plastic bottles and some bottle caps on the ground.
Recyclables
Plants, pots, buckets, a watering can, and gardening supplies on grassy ground in a garden.
Yard clutter
Plant in a pot sitting in a black tray with water, placed outdoors on soil with branches and a textured wall in the background.
Plant saucers
Inflatable kiddie pool and plastic toys, including buckets and shovels, on grass.
Kids toys
Two tires on grass, each holding rainwater with leaves floating inside.
Unused tires
Plant growing in a jar with roots in water, next to a row of books by a window.
Three large barrels near a black metal door, with plants and a stone path nearby.
A stone fountain with small elephant and animal figurines on a pebbled ground, set against a light green wall.
A stone bird bath with water, surrounded by plants and rocks in a garden setting.
Black garbage bag with plastic bottles and some bottle caps on the ground.
Plants, pots, buckets, a watering can, and gardening supplies on grassy ground in a garden.
Plant in a pot sitting in a black tray with water, placed outdoors on soil with branches and a textured wall in the background.
Inflatable kiddie pool and plastic toys, including buckets and shovels, on grass.
Two tires on grass, each holding rainwater with leaves floating inside.

Mosquitoes bite because she needs your blood to create her eggs. She then lays the eggs in stagnant water in containers. These containers can be as small as a bottle cap.

Pour stagnant water onto plants, soil, or the ground once a week to break the mosquito life cycle.

Keeping stagnant water around is a public health threat and it's against the law.

Remember, break the mosquito life cycle, TIP, TOSS, PROTECT!

More information about Zika virus can be found HERE at the CDC website.