CHENANGO COUNTY – Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is mainly spread to people by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. However, Zika can be spread through sexual contact as well. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, joint pain, rash, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Only 1 out of 5 people show symptoms of Zika.

However, if Zika is contracted during a pregnancy, it can cause serious abnormalities in a developing fetus. If you are planning to travel outside the country, check the CDC travel guidance to view areas with active Zika. If a trip to an area with active Zika is unavoidable, use an EPA registered insect repellant and wear long-sleeved shirts and pants. Stay in places with air conditioning, or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitos outside. There has been no locally required mosquito-borne Zika virus disease cases reported in the US states, but there have been travel-associated cases.