Diseases -Zika

Mosquito Borne Diseases

Believe it or not, mosquitoes lead the list of the most deadly animals in the world, ahead of lions, elephants, hippos, and crocs. It’s estimated that 600,000 people die each year of malaria alone, only one of several important mosquito transmitted diseases. Fortunately, malaria was eradicated in the U.S. many years ago through strong public health efforts and effective mosquito control. But this doesn’t mean we’re free of risks of mosquito borne disease today.

Make a selection to learn more about the most important potential diseases carried by mosquitoes in your community.

West Nile
Dengue Fever
Chikungunya
Zika

ZIKA VIRUS Select Play Button
Turn Up Device Volume Zika is the mildest of the viruses carried by Aedes mosquitoes. Symptoms include fever, an itchy rash, joint pain and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Sometimes symptoms include muscle pain and headache. ZIKA VIRUS Risk in the U.S. is very low. Most cases occur in travelers to countries with Zika transmission. There are isolated instances when local mosquitoes pick up the virus from travelers with active Zika infections. Four out of five people who get Zika don’t get sick, but can be infectious to mosquitos. Zika is also the only mosquito-borne disease that can be transmitted sexually. Hospitalization is rare; few die of Zika. Pregnant women who get Zika, may pass infection to fetus. Rarely, may develop Guillain-Barré syndrome. All travelers to areas with active Zika transmission should wear repellent for at least a week after returning to home, so not to pass on the disease. Infection in early pregnancy can cause birth defects. “Microcephaly” is characterized by under developed brain, and possibly premature death.

Zika Virus carried by:
Aedes aegypti and probably Aedes albopictus

For more information visit www.cdc.gov/zika

Zika Symptoms
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Headache
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Fever
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Conjunctivitis – red eyes
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Muscle pain
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Rash
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Joint pain

Text Only Version

Zika

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus. It is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The most common Zika symptoms include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes (called conjunctivitis). Symptoms are relatively mild and usually last for only a few days to a week after the mosquito bite. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to a hospital, and they rarely die of Zika.

In fact only one in five people infected with Zika even feel sick. But if Zika infects a woman when she is pregnant, it can harm her baby. A condition called microcephaly has been linked to Zika, as well as other severe fetal brain defects.