The Zika virus is gaining national attention and raising concerns. According to the Center for Disease Control, 107 travel associated cases have been reported in the US. # have been reported in DC. There have been no locally acquired cases on the disease in the US. Should you worry? No, you should know the facts.

What exactly is the Zika virus?

• The Zika virus is a disease transmitted by daytime-active infected Aedes mosquitos. Once the mosquito is infected, it continues to infect everything it bites.
• The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
• People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika Virus Disease.
• Here is a link to more information on symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

See a medical professional immediately if you have visited any of the targeted locations and are starting to have any of the symptoms listed above.

REMEMBER: It is extremely rare for people to pass from the disease. Make sure to get treated and follow your doctors orders if you or a loved one is diagnosed.