Special Announcement: Health Alert: ZIKA VIRUS

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel alert for countries where Zika virus is prevalent. Check the CDC's travel notices regularly for updates as new countries are being added to this list.

The Zika virus is spread by infected mosquito bites to people. Avoiding mosquito bites is the best form of prevention for those traveling to an area where Zika virus is occurring.  There has been one confirmed case of Zika infection in the U.S. that occurred through sexual transmission.

The majority of people who are infected with the Zika virus do not become ill. If symptoms develop, they are usually mild and include fever, rash, painful joints, and conjunctivitis.  

Zika infection has also been linked to a birth defect called microcephaly. The CDC has issued recommendations advising pregnant women to avoid travel to areas where Zika virus is occurring.