There is no vaccine to prevent infection and no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus infection. Its most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Zika virus is almost always a very mild illness. Approximately 80 percent of those infected never show symptoms of the disease while approximately 20 percent show only mild symptoms. In some rare cases, persons infected with Zika virus have developed Guillain–Barré Syndrome. In addition to mosquitoes, Zika virus can be transmitted through sexual contact and from mother to unborn child.



The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has confirmed that Zika virus is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes including microcephaly. Women who are pregnant or of childbearing age especially need to understand the risk of contracting Zika virus disease. Pregnant women can be infected with Zika virus in any trimester.



“Even though there is currently no evidence of local transmission in Hamilton County from mosquitoes to humans,” says Health Department Epidemiology Manager Bev Fulbright, “This case is a reminder for everyone to consistently protect themselves from mosquito bites and prevent mosquito breeding areas by removing standing water, especially in small containers."