Zika Virus Resources for Healthcare Providers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as well as other state and federal agencies have issued health advisories, guidelines, travel alerts and other information on the Zika virus. The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Infection with Zika virus is asymptomatic in most cases. When Zika virus does cause illness, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Severe ailments requiring hospitalization are uncommon. Recent evidence suggests a possible association between maternal Zika virus infection and adverse fetal outcomes, such as congenital microcephaly and a possible association with Guillain-Barré syndrome. No vaccine or medication exists at this time to prevent or treat Zika virus infection. Persons residing in or traveling to areas of active Zika virus transmission should take steps to prevent Zika virus infection through prevention of mosquito bites. CHA will continue to share information and resources as they become available.