Marine Corps Base Quantico -- Zika is a viral infection spread by mosquito bites. Recently, Zika virus infections in pregnant women have been linked to infants born with birth defects. Ongoing Zika virus transmission is predominately occurring in South and Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a travel alert for all of these areas. Following are some things that you need to know about the Zika virus:

What is the risk of becoming infected?

Navy and Marine Corps personnel and their families are at risk when travelling to areas experiencing ongoing Zika virus transmission. Infection risk is reduced by taking measures to avoid mosquito bites. Local transmission of the Zika virus has not been reported in the United States.

What are the typical symptoms?

Fever, Conjunctivitis (red eyes), muscle pain, rash, headache and joint pain.

Most people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms. About one in five people infected will develop mild symptoms lasting several days to a week. Symptoms typically appear two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

How can you prevent being infected if you do travel to Zika virus areas?

There is currently no vaccine or drug to prevent Zika virus infection and there is currently no specific anti-viral treatment for the disease. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid mosquito bites while in areas of ongoing transmission. Note: mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime, but bites should be avoided day and night.

Until more is known, and out of an abundance of caution, the CDC recommends pregnant women consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is occurring — currently the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Mexico, Cape Verde and Samoa. Pregnant women, or women trying to become pregnant, who travel to these areas, should talk to their healthcare provider first and they should take strict steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.

The following steps are recommended if you must travel to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission:
• Choose a hotel or lodging with air conditioning or with screens on windows and doors.
• Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are outside or in a room that is not well screened.
• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
• Use EPA-registered insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin or IR3535. These are safe for pregnant women when used as directed.
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and equipment.

What should you do if you suspect you have been infected?

If you or someone you know develops sudden fever, rash, joint aches or Conjunctivitis within two weeks of travelling to an area of ongoing Zika virus transmission, see your healthcare provider immediately and report your symptoms and travel history. They will coordinate testing for Zika virus if indicated and help manage your symptoms. Because Zika virus is often transmitted in the same geographic areas as dengue fever, you should avoid taking aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue infection is ruled out (these drugs may increase the risk of severe symptoms). You may use acetaminophen to treat fever and other symptoms. Finally, take strict steps to avoid mosquito bites during the first week after symptoms begin, to avoid further spread of Zika virus.

What does this mean for Marines at Quantico?
• No mosquitoes infected with the Zika virus have been identified aboard Marine Corps Base Quantico.
• No locally transmitted Zika cases have been reported in the continental United States, but cases have been reported in returning travelers.
• Locally transmitted Zika virus has been reported in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and America Samoa.

With the recent outbreaks, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. These imported cases could result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States.