Zika Virus
Zika virus is a disease caused by the bite of an infected* mosquito. This disease has been found in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.
Overview
How can I get sick?
- Zika virus is spread to humans through the bite of a mosquito that has the virus.
Symptoms in humans:
Most people who are bit by a mosquito that has the virus won’t get sick, but some people will have the following symptoms:
- Fever (when your body gets a little hotter than normal)
- Rash
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Muscle pain
What can I do to stay healthy?
Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
- Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.
- Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.
- Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.
- Use screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitos outside.
- Remove anything that will bring mosquitoes into your home. For example, emptying standing water from pots, buckets, barrels, and other containers.
What to do when traveling overseas
- Use insect repellents* while hiking, camping, hunting, or being outside. Ask an adult to help you with insect repellent*.
- Wear long pants, long sleeves, and long socks when outside.
- Treat your clothes, gear (boots, tents, backpacks or camping gear), or any outdoor equipment with insect repellent*.
- Choose a hotel or place to stay that has air conditioning or windows and doors with screens to keep mosquitos outside.
- Use mosquito nets when sleeping outside or if you are staying in a room with no screens on windows or doors.
*Definitions:
- Infected: When germs get inside of a body, animal, or an organism.
- Insect Repellent: Product applied to skin, clothing or surfaces to keep insects away.
Species Affected
![](https://www.onehealthnevada.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/One-Health_CTA-Block_Big-Horn-300x300.png)
Learn About Other Diseases
Click below to learn more about the many different diseases that can spread between animals and humans.
Diseases