Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito. Sexual transmission of Zika virus from a male partner is possible as well. Because there currently is no vaccine or treatment for Zika virus, the best way to avoid Zika virus infection is to prevent mosquito bites and to practice safe sex. Pregnant women should avoid travelling to Zika-affected areas.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)

Other symptoms include

• Muscle pain
• Headache

Four out of 5 people infected with Zika virus don’t even know they have the disease. The sickness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika.

Zika has been found in multiple countries and some areas of the US. Consult the CDC for the most up to date information, and follow all travel guidance: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/index.html

Zika is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to his or her partners. People who have traveled to or live in places with Zika should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). A pregnant woman can pass Zika to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. Also, Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to his or her partners. People who have traveled to or live in places with Zika should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to his or her partners. Sex includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex It can be passed from a person with Zika before their symptoms start, while they have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.

Though not well documented, the virus may also be passed by a person who carries the virus but never develops symptoms.

It can be passed from a person with Zika before their symptoms start, while they have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.

Though not well documented, the virus may also be passed by a person who carries the virus but never develops symptoms.

For the most up-to-date information on Zika and sex, visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/transmission/sexual-transmission.html

Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to their partners. People who have traveled to or live in places with Zika should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

Especially if you do not know your partner’s travel or sexual history, you should use condoms or other barriers consistently, and correctly. Condoms and other barriers can also help prevent getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

Not having sex is the best way to be sure that someone does not get sexually transmitted Zika virus. If an individual is sexually active, using latex condoms the right way every time they have sex can reduce the chance that they can get Zika virus from sex. Condoms can also help prevent getting HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases.

There is no vaccine to prevent, or specific medicine to treat, Zika virus infections.

Treat the symptoms

• Get plenty of rest.
• Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever and pain.
• Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
• If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

The diagnosis is typically made by a blood test or cerebrospinal fluid sample. Testing can also be done on amniotic fluid. If you are a pregnant woman who has travelled to a Zika-affect area, you should be tested for Zika virus immediately upon return. All other travelers to Zika-affected areas should be tested for Zika virus if they exhibit symptoms. See your healthcare professional for additional guidance.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika virus disease. Pregnant women or women who plan to become pregnant should avoid travel to Zika-affected areas.

The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites and to practice safe sex. Here’s how:

• 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. 
• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Always follow the product label instructions.
• 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.
• Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or buy 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 someone doesn’t know their sex partner’s travel history, they should use condoms the right way every time.

FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection. DEET-based products are safe for pregnant women to use, but product label instructions should be strictly followed.

• DEET
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin. Products containing picaridin include Cutter Advanced, Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus, and Autan [outside the US])
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD (Products containing OLE include Repel and Off! Botanicals)
• IR3535 (Products containing IR3535 include Skin So Soft Bug Guard Plus Expedition and SkinSmart)

More information about avoiding all types of bug bites is available on the CDC’s website.

Regardless of the Zika virus concerns, you should take mosquito precautions and use safe sex practices to decrease your risk of acquiring a number of different infectious diseases or STD’s. Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night. Also, Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to his or her partners. People who have traveled to or live in places with Zika should protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

I have traveled to a Zika-affected area. What if I have a pregnant sex partner?

• Anyone who has travelled to a Zika-affected area and has a pregnant sex partner should practice safe sex or abstain from sex.

I have traveled to a Zika-affected area. Should I abstain from sex?

• Anyone who has travelled to a Zika-affected area should practice safe sex or abstain from sex.

If the cruise includes stops to any of the countries or regions under advisory all of the same precautions should be taken.

You should immediately contact your healthcare provider to get tested for Zika virus. You should also avoid sexual contact or practice safe sex with any male who also travelled to a Zika-affected area.

Men who have travelled to a Zika-affected area and have a pregnant sex partner should practice safe sex or abstain from sex. If he has a sex partner who plans to get pregnant, they should abstain from sex or use a condom the right way every time.

A man who has travelled to a Zika-affected area should not have sex with a pregnant woman or a woman who plans to become pregnant.

If you feel sick and think you may have Zika, consult with your healthcare providers about your symptoms and your recent travel. You should seek medical care to be properly diagnosed.

• 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.
• Men who have a pregnant partner should use condoms or abstain from sexual activity for the duration of the pregnancy.

Zika testing is recommended by the CDC to be offered to:

• Any pregnant woman (with or without symptoms) who has traveled to a Zika outbreak area within the past two to 12 weeks
• Any symptomatic (fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes) traveler (regardless of gender or age) to a Zika outbreak area within the past two to 12 weeks.

Those who are traveling abroad who may have signs and symptoms can use the HTH supplemental insurance to schedule an appointment with a local health care provider for testing.

Women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are at highest risk for complications to their child. There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in babies of mothers who had Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and birth defects is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women. Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus is spreading.

Based on the available evidence from the CDC, Zika virus infection in a woman who is not pregnant would not pose a risk for birth defects in future pregnancies after the virus has cleared from her blood. From what the CDC knows about similar infections, once a person has been infected with Zika virus, he or she is likely to be protected from a future Zika infection. CDC has a dedicated website to Zika and pregnancy, and continues to update any new information here.

Based on the available evidence from the CDC, Zika virus infection in a woman who is not pregnant would not pose a risk for birth defects in future pregnancies after the virus has cleared from her blood. From what the CDC knows about similar infections, once a person has been infected with Zika virus, he or she is likely to be protected from a future Zika infection. CDC has a dedicated website to Zika and pregnancy, and continues to update any new information here.

If you are diagnosed with Zika virus, your healthcare provider will alert the area’s health department and they will make proper notifications. However, should you need support, contact your supervisor if you are an employee and Student Life’s Student Advocacy Center (advocacy@osu.edu or 614-292-1111) if you are a student.

At this time there are no travel restrictions on carriers of Zika virus.

While Zika virus can be transmitted sexually, it is not an STD because the primary mode of transmission is through mosquitos.