Zika Virus

Zika virus is an arbovirus usually spread by mosquitoes (specifically the Aedes Albopictus and Aedes Aegypti mosquitoes pictures above left to right) but can also be spread through sex with an infected person. The incubation time (from when first infected until sympsoms appear), is three to 14 days.

The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, diseases caused by other viruses spread by the same type of mosquitoes.

The most common signs of Zika are fever, rash, joing pain and red eyes. Other symptoms include muscle pain, headache, pain behind the eyes and vomiting. There is increasing evidence of birth defects in newborns from mothers already infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery.

The best way to reduce your risk of Zika is by preventing mosquito bites.

Tarrant County Public Health (TCPH) continuously monitors mosquito-related illnesses and provides this Vector Information Hotline: 817-321-4709.

Arbovirus infections are reportable to TCPH at 817-321-5350.
 

A Spanish version of the Eliminating Mosquito Breeding Sites is also available.