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Zika virus

What is Zika virus disease (Zika)?

Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus and is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Sexual transmission of Zika virus is well documented now, though there is no indication that it can spread from person to person through casual contact. The CDC continues to update advice related to sexual transmission of Zika with specifics to avoid potential transmission. Their most up-to-date recommendations can be found on the CDC website at: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/sexual-transmission.html.

Additional information about how Zika spreads can be found at: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/overview.html

Because there is currently no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus, the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites and to consistently use condoms or other barriers to avoid sexual transmission, or abstain from sex if traveling to a Zika-infected area.

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.

Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been recently reported in a few locations in south Texas and Florida. Many other cases of Zika virus have been reported in the continental United States from either international travelers to areas with outbreaks or sexual contact with travelers to such areas. The mosquitoes that can carry Zika are found in some areas of the United States. The CDC maintains up-to-date information on areas with Zika online: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html.

What are the symptoms and complications that Zika virus can cause?

The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes) within two weeks of exposure. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to one week. 

About 80 percent of persons infected do not show symptoms. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. A rare condition, Guillain-Barré syndrome has been reported in patients following suspected Zika virus infections. Birth defects (microcephaly) in babies born to women who have had the Zika virus while pregnant is reported. More information on Zika virus infection and pregnancy is available on CDC's website.


Traveling? Know before you go

See Zika-affected areas

Prevention: The best way to prevent Zika is to prevent mosquito bites and to practice safe sex.

Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are aggressive daytime biters, but can also bite at night. Sexual transmission of Zika virus from a male partner is possible. The CDC recommends that men who have traveled to Zika-affected areas should abstain from sex or use a condom every time, and correctly with a woman who is or could become pregnant.

The CDC continues to update their advice related to sexual transmission of Zika. Their most up-to-date recommendations can be found: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/sexual-transmission.html

CDC Travel Recommendations:

  • Pregnant women should avoid travel to Zika-affected areas for the duration of their pregnancy
  • Women who are planning to become pregnant and their male partners should talk to their healthcare provider before traveling
  • Avoid bug bites
  • Insect repellent use and safety
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants
  • When possible, stay and sleep in facilities with air-conditioning or screened windows and doors. If not available, travel with mosquito netting
  • Sign up for CDC Zika travel updates: text PLAN to 855-255-5606 (service provided by the CDC)

Consult with your healthcare providers or visit a travel clinic, especially if you’re planning to become pregnant. If you are pregnant, the CDC recommends avoiding travel to Zika-affected areas.

What to pack:

  • US EPA-registered insect repellent
  • Long sleeves
  • Long pants
  • Mosquito netting (if you are staying or sleeping outdoors or in areas not fully screened or air conditioned)
  • Condoms or other barriers

Other travel tips: Treat your clothing and gear (i.e. boots, socks, pants, hats, and tents) with permethrin or buy pre-treated items.

Practice maximum prevention day and night!

All travelers to Zika-affected areas should use maximum precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

  • Since the Aedes mosquito bites in the daytime and at night – wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to cover exposed skin
  • Use EPA-registered insect repellents according to the product label. All EPA-registered insect repellents have been evaluated for effectiveness.
    • Always follow the product label instructions
    • Reapply repellent as instructed
    • Do not spray insect repellent underneath clothing
    • Apply sunscreen to skin first then insect repellent
  • DEET-based insect repellants are safe in pregnant women when applied according to manufacturer’s guidelines
  • Anyone who has or is currently traveling in a Zika-affected area should abstain from sex or use a condom or other barrier every time, and correctly, with a woman who is or could become pregnant for the duration of the pregnancy
  • When possible, stay and sleep in facilities with air-conditioning or screened windows and doors. If not available, travel with mosquito netting
  • If you have traveled to a Zika-affected area and feel sick with symptoms (i.e. rash, fever, conjunctivitis, joint pain, muscle pain and headache), upon your return, consult with your healthcare providers about your recent travel to be assessed for the Zika virus. You should seek medical care to be diagnosed. Other viruses are also transmitted by the Aedes mosquitos which can lead to more serious illnesses.
  • Students can schedule an appointment with Student Life’s Student Health Services by phone at 614-292-4321 or via their website, or after hours you can go to Ohio State’s urgent care center at the Martha Morehouse Medical Plaza, 2050 Kenny Road, Suite 2400
  • Faculty and staff should contact their primary health care providers
  • Those who have a pregnant partner should use condoms and other barriers or abstain from sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy
  • Zika testing is recommended by the CDC to be offered to:
    • A pregnant woman with possible exposure to Zika virus
    • People who may have been exposed to Zika through sex and who have Zika symptoms.
  • If you are diagnosed with Zika, learn about treating the symptoms and protecting others: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/symptoms/treatment.html

Travel Considerations for Students

As you plan for your educational experience abroad, there are many factors to consider when deciding where and when to travel.

It is very important to find information that will help you make educated decisions for your unique, personal circumstances. Considering matters related to your health, there are several resources available to you including:

  • The Office of International Affairs offers “Getting Started” sessions to provide information about study abroad. Additional information on health and safety is available on the Traveler Health section of the website.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travel Health Website www.cdc.gov/travel provides country specific information about vaccines and medications, food and beverage safety and healthy travel packing guidelines.
  • Student Life’s Student Health Services provides pre-travel visits where your specific health risks can be assessed as well as receiving travel vaccines, medical travel information and prescriptions for travel medications.

Even with all of these resources it is still difficult to know everything about potential health risks. For example, new information about the spread and the impact of the Zika Virus is made available almost weekly. We now know the virus can be transmitted from either women or men during unprotected sexual intercourse and there are reported cases of Zika in the United States that are neither related to travel nor spread through sexual transmission. Zika has also been known to be linked to birth defects in babies.

It is important to know and understand the risks of Zika and other health-related issues before you plan your educational trip. If you have concerns or questions, please make an appointment with a medical professional prior to selecting your study abroad site.