Zika Virus

The Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an Aedes species mosquito. It can be passed from an infected mother to her baby during pregnancy and can also be passed through sex. Many people infected with Zika do not show symptoms. In others, common symptoms include headache, fever, muscle and joint pain, rash, or red eyes. It can also cause specific birth defects. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms and have been to an affected area.

Tips to prevent mosquito bites:

Outdoors Avoid areas such as lakes and ponds that are more likely to be infested with mosquitoes. Wear light-colored clothing that covers skin, including long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats. Use mosquito repellents on bare skin and/or clothing. The CDC recommends EPA-approved insect repellents with the active ingredients DEET, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or picaridin. Remember to read and follow all label directions! Not all products can be used on young children.

Indoors Make sure your windows and doors have undamaged screens and are well-sealed. If you use air conditioning, make sure there is no standing water from condensation build-up. Use fans to blow the air around. Mosquitoes are clumsy fliers.

Learn more about:

Symptoms and General Information about Zika

Mosquito Control and Prevention

Using Insect Repellents

Information for Professionals

Zika Maps and Statistics

Zika-Related Contacts

Learn more aboutmosquitoes in general.

If you have questions about this, or any pesticide-related topic, please call NPIC at 800-858-7378 (8:00am - 12:00pm PST), or email at npic@ace.orst.edu.

Symptoms and General Information about Zika

• What You Need to Know - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Zika Overview - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Zika Virus Fact Sheet – World Health Organization
• Zika Virus Infographics - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• What is Zika? (infographic) - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Zika Virus and Pregnancy - Organization of Teratology Information Specialists (OTIS)

Mosquito Control and Prevention

• Mosquito Control - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Mosquito Control - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Naled for Mosquito Control - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
• Aerial Spraying and Mosquito Control – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Frequently Asked Questions on Aerial Spraying of Naled - Florida Department of Health
• Chemicals Used in Mosquito Control – NPIC
• How can I avoid mosquito bites? – NPIC
• Do I need to spray for mosquitoes at home? – NPIC

Using Insect Repellents

• Prevent Mosquito Bites - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Using Repellent Products to Protect against Mosquito-Borne Illnesses - US Environmental Protection Agency
• Skin-Applied Repellent Ingredients - US Environmental Protection Agency
• Using Insect Repellents Safely and Effectively - US Environmental Protection Agency
• Find the Repellent that is Right for You - US Environmental Protection Agency
• DEET General Fact Sheet – NPIC
• Picaridin General Fact Sheet – NPIC

Information for Professionals

• Zika Information Center - American Mosquito Control Association
• Information for Specific Groups - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Zika Information for Healthcare Providers - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Top Questions on Zika: Simple Answers - Association of State and Territorial Health Officials
• Interim Guidance for Protecting Workers from Occupational Exposure to Zika Virus - Occupational Safety & Health Administration

Zika Maps and Statistics

• Zika in the US – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Reporting and Surveillance – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Zika Cases in the United States – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Zika Travel Information – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• Aedes Mosquitoes: Potential Range in the U.S. – Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

• State Health Departments
• Mosquito/Vector Control Agencies
• Centers for Disease Control Contact Information