Public Health Emergency Preparedness

• Through Mosquito Bites

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These are the same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya.

• These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases. They prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people.
• Mosquitoes that spread chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are aggressive daytime biters, but they can also bite at night.
• Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

– From Mother to Child

• A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy. Zika is a cause of microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. We are studying the full range of other potential health problems that Zika virus infection during pregnancy may cause.
• A pregnant woman already infected with Zika virus can pass the virus to her fetus during the pregnancy or around the time of birth.
• To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found.

– Through Sexual Contact

• Zika virus can be spread by a man to his sex partners.
• In known cases of sexual transmission, the men developed Zika virus symptoms. From these cases, we know the virus can be spread when the man has symptoms, before symptoms start and after symptoms resolve.
• In one case, the virus was spread a few days before symptoms developed.
• The virus is present in semen longer than in blood.

– Traveling To Areas with Zika

Most Texas cases of Zika are related to travel. People were infected while visiting areas where Zika is being spread and then diagnosed after returning home. To help prevent infection, DSHS recommends:

During your trip –
Travelers to areas affected by Zika should avoid mosquito exposure.

• Use EPA-approved insect repellent for 21 days after you return to the United States. When used as directed, these insect repellents – including those that contain DEET – are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Wear pants and long-sleeve shirts.
• Use screens or close windows and doors at hotel rooms or places you’re staying.
• Take precautions against sexual transmission.
• Consider abstaining from sex or use condoms correctly.

After your trip –
All travelers returning to Texas from areas affected by Zika should avoid mosquito bites for 21 days following their return or following the onset of illness.

• Call your doctor if you have concerns.
• Use EPA-approved insect repellent for 21 days after you return to the United States. When used as directed, these insect repellents – including those that contain DEET – are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
• Take precautions against sexual transmission for at least eight weeks.
• Consider abstaining from sex or use condoms correctly.