Updates on Zika virus

03/09/2016 8:00 AM

Bradley University Health Services would like to provide a few updates on the Zika virus as we prepare for Spring Break.

What is it?

Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus and is transmitted predominantly by mosquitoes, but can also be sexually transmitted. It causes a fairly mild illness that typically lasts for one week. The primary concern is for pregnant women or women who are planning to become pregnant because of its link to potential birth defects.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint Pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Headache
• Muscle aches

Treatment

• Rest
• Fluids
• Tylenol (acetaminophen), recommended not to take Advil (ibuprofen)

Prevention

Mosquito bite transmission

• Wear long sleeves and long pants, mosquitos that carry the Zika virus predominantly bite during the day and can transmit other diseases such as Chikunguaga and Dengue fever
• Sleep under mosquito netting
• Use EPA registered insect repellent – if also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen first

Sexual transmission

• Transmitted in semen before, during, and after affected individual has symptoms
• Abstain from sex
• Use condoms

Areas Affected

(for a complete list of affected areas, updates are provided through the Center for Disease Control at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html)

• Caribbean
• Central America
• South America
• Mexico
• Cape Verde
• Some Pacific Islands

Have a safe and healthy Spring Break!