Zika Virus Information

Zika Virus Information

                Zika virus disease is spread to people through mosquito bites from the Aedes mosquito. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are: fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes, and vomiting. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week, and occasionally having no symptoms. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon, although the California Department of Public Health indicates that there is an association between Zika and Guillain-Barré Syndrome in rare cases.

For complete information on Zika Virus please visit the CDC Zika website

Cases of Zika have been reported in returning travelers who visited locations where Zika infection is common.  For complete, up-to-date information on where Zika virus has been found, visit the CDC World Map website

Who is at risk of being infected?

Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where Zika virus is found can be infected with the virus. It can also be transmitted by sexual contact with an infected person or through mother-to-baby transmission during pregnancy. For most people, Zika virus does not usually cause serious illness, many times having no symptoms at all. The major reason for concern about Zika virus is that cases of microcephaly (small head and brain size) and other poor pregnancy outcomes have been reported in babies of mothers who contracted the virus during pregnancy.   

How can Zika virus be prevented?

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika.

  • Travelers can avoid infection by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites.  
  • Practicing safer sex with a partner who has recently visited areas with Zika.

If you are traveling to an area with Zika use these precautions:

  • Use an insect repellent containing DEET, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or Picaridin.  Remember to apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.
  • Wear long sleeves and long pants.
  • Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.
  • Use a bed net, as needed.
  • The California Department of Public Health recommends that pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should not travel to Zika areas. If travel is necessary prevention measures should be followed.

Yolo County HHSA Information

CDPH Information

Resources & Advisory Flyers


Yolo County  Health and Human Services Agency
 Communicable Diseases
 137 N Cottonwood Street, Woodland, CA 95695

Business Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Main Line (530) 666-8645, Confidential Fax (530) 669-1549
After Business Hours (24/7) Contact the MHOAC at (530) 321-3620

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