Zika Virus

On February 1, 2016, the World Health Organization declared a “public health emergency of international concern” over the Zika virus and the health problems that doctors fear it is causing.  Below are the prevention measures recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).   Each college should develop a policy to manage the Zika virus.  Things to think about: Identifying students (especially women) who are currently in, or have recently been in countries where Zika is present; sending these women a communication telling them to be aggressive with their mosquito protection efforts (liberal use of repellent, netting. etc.); and informing students and staff to promptly seek medical care if (s)he have visited the areas infected with Zika and if symptoms appear.  For countries, which have confirmed cases of Zika virus, go to the CDC webpage:http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html .  In addition, CDC has developed some fact sheets and posters to help with communication: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/fs-posters/index.html

  • No vaccine exists to prevent Zika virus disease (Zika).
  • Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites (see below).
  • Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.
  • Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.

When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes are found, take the following steps:

  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
  • Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness
    • Always follow the product label instruction
    •  Reapply insect repellent as directed.
    • Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing.
  • If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
  • If you have a baby or child:
    • Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age
    • Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
    • Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting.
    • Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
  • Adults: Spray insect repellent onto your hands and then apply to a child’s face.
  • Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.
  • Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product information to learn how long the protection will last.
  •  If treating items yourself, follow the product instructions carefully.
  • Do NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing.

If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick

  • During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.
  • To help prevent others from getting sick, avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness.

Information for travelers