ZIKA VIRUS: SYMPTOMS & PREVENTION
Zika is most commonly spread through bites from infected mosquitoes and can cause fever, rash, joint pain, conjunctivitis and birth defects. Learn how to help protect your family from this mosquito-borne disease.
WHAT IS ZIKA?
Aedes aegypti
Aedes albopictus
Zika is a virus spread primarily through bites from infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictusmosquitoes. Zika can also be transmitted through sex and from a pregnant woman to her fetus. You can help protect yourself and your loved ones by learning more about Zika transmission, symptoms and prevention.
WHERE IS ZIKA MOST COMMON?
Local transmission of Zika virus by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes has been reported in Africa, the Americas, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific.1
ZIKA VIRUS SYMPTOMS
According to the World Health Organization, about 1 in every 5 people infected with Zika virus show symptoms of being ill.1 The good news is that symptoms are usually mild, lasting from several days up to a week.
The most common symptoms of the Zika virus are:
Fever
Rash
Joint Pain
Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes)
Other possible Zika virus symptoms include:
Muscle Pain
Headache
Pain Behind the Eyes
Vomiting
60 YEARS OF MOSQUITO RESEARCH…AND COUNTING
TheSC Johnson® Institute of Insect Science for Family Healthis home to 360,000 mosquitoes on any given day, including the two species that transmit Zika. We breed them, research them and invent new ways to help you combat them—all so you can help protect your family from mosquitoes that can transmit diseases like Zika.
ZIKA VIRUS AND PREGNANCY
According to the World Health Organization, women infected with Zika can pass the virus to their fetus during pregnancy. Infection during pregnancy can cause severe fetal brain defects, including microcephaly, which results in babies born with unusually small heads. Zika virus during pregnancy is also associated with other complications, including miscarriage and preterm birth.2
HOW TO HELP AVOID ZIKA3
Since there isn’t a vaccine for the Zika virus, one of the best ways to help protect your loved ones is to reduce your risk of mosquito bites. Follow these tips to help avoid bites and get rid of mosquitoes that may carry the Zika virus in and around your home.
Use a personal insect repellent that contains the active ingredients DEET or picaridin. Make sure you follow all instructions on the label and reapply as directed.
Wear pants, long-sleeved shirts, and socks to limit the amount of skin that is exposed to mosquitoes. You can also wear clothing treated with a permethrin insecticide or personal repellent. Just be sure to follow the instructions on the label because some repellents should not be used to treat rayon, spandex, acetate or other synthetic fabrics.
Use screens on windows and doors and be sure to repair any holes in the screens where mosquitoes can enter from outside.
Get rid of standing water in and around the home where mosquitoes are known to breed, such as in old tires, buckets, bird baths and trash bins. And be sure to dump collected water at least once a week.
Use an insecticide product inside your home to help kill mosquitoes. Be sure to follow the label and only use as directed.
Place a mosquito net over beds, cribs, and strollers to help safeguard yourself and your loved ones while you sleep.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ZIKA
For more information about this mosquito-borne disease, check out theWorld Health Organization’s Zika Virus Fact Sheet.
For more tips to help protect your home and family from these disease-carrying insects, read How to Help Get Rid of Mosquitoes.
FIND SOLUTIONS FOR MOSQUITOES
We understand how important it is to protect yourself and your loved ones from mosquito-borne diseases. That’s why we have a variety of products designed to help you get rid of mosquitoes that may carry the Zika virus.
DISCLAIMER
This is provided for your information only and is not intended to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Should you have any symptoms or concerns, please contact your doctor.
