NEW YORK — The mosquito responsible for the transmission of Zika virus in impacted areas in Latin America is the Aedes aegypti, which is a mosquito species not found in New York City.
About 1 in 5 people who are infected do not become sick. For the people who become sick, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint paint and conjunctivitis (red eyes).
Symptoms begin two to 12 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms tend to be mild and last for a week. Most people fully recover and do not need to be hospitalized. However, several months following the outbreak of Zika in Brazil, a large increase in the number of babies born with a congenital birth defect called microcephaly was observed. Microcephaly describes a baby or child with a smaller than normal head.
New Yorkers traveling to countries impacted by this disease are potentially at risk. Pregnant women should consider delaying travel to affected countries until more information is gathered. Pregnant women who have recently traveled to effected countries should consult with their doctor.
New Yorkers traveling to warmer climate countries where transmission of Zika virus in ongoing should take preventative measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as:
· Use repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus, and use in accordance with label.
· Wear protective clothing including long sleeves, long pants and closed shoes.
· Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
· Use bed-nets if mosquitoes cannot be kept out of a residence.
· Eliminate standing water that collects in and around your residence.
