Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). Based on what we know now, the mosquitoes that transmit Zika virus are not found in Vermont.
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms that may last for several days up to a week. Once a person has been infected with Zika virus, they are likely protected from future infections.
While Zika is generally a mild illness in most adults, Zika virus has caused microcephaly, a birth defect of the brain, and other serious complication in babies of mothers who had the virus while pregnant. For this reason, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that women who are pregnant, or who may become pregnant, talk to a health care provider about potential risks before travelling to areas where Zika transmission has occurred. All travelers to an area with current or past Zika transmission should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites during and after travel.
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. See the information and guidance below for what you need to know. If you have concerns or questions about your health and Zika virus, contact your health care provider.
As of November 2019, no countries or U.S. territories are reporting an outbreak of Zika, however, dengue virus is currently causing large outbreaks in many areas of the world.
