Zika virus disease, an infectious disease spread through the bite of a mosquito, is considered by the World Health Organization to be a serious international public health threat. Although many people who contract Zika virus infection have mild or no symptoms, pregnant women are thought to be at particularly high risk for complications after Zika virus exposure because the virus has been linked to brain defects in newborns. Like many viruses, Zika can be acquired from the bite of an infected mosquito. The virus currently is circulating in various parts of the world where Kentuckians could travel.
The Kentucky Department for Public Health is working closely with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention to provide guidance and education to health professionals and the general public regarding the Zika virus disease. Visit the links below for more information about the Zika virus disease. For additional Kentucky questions or assistance, call (888) 973-7678 during business hours.
About Zika Virus Disease
Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus and is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
Most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes
Prevention
No vaccine exists. Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites and using insect repellents.
Mosquito Bite Prevention
Informative materials about preventing mosquito bites
Vector Surveillance and Control
Resources for surveillance and control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus
Transmission and Risk
Zika virus disease is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito
Areas With Zika
Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission
For Pregnant Women
Questions and answers, travel information, microcephaly, avoiding mosquitoes
Information for Travelers
Information on preventing Zika virus while traveling include...
For Healthcare Providers
Clinical evaluation, disease, diagnostic testing, obstetricians, pediatricians
CDC Zika Website in Spanish
Spanish version of the CDC's Zika website
Fact Sheets and Posters
Informative fact sheets and posters
Public Service Announcements
Videos
Additional Resources
Waste Tire Collection Program
Information on waste tire collection programs in Kentucky
Press Releases
- Travelers Warned About Dangers of Zika Virus (Feb. 3, 2016)
- First Case of Zika Reported in Kentuckian Who Traveled to an Affected Country (March 10, 2016)
- Spring Break Travelers Should Protect Themselves Against Zika (March 11, 2016)
- Second Case of Zika Reported in Kentuckian Who Traveled to an Affected Country (March 21, 2016)
- Pregnant Woman Who Traveled to an Affected Country Listed as Third Case of Zika Virus Reported in Kentucky (March 25, 2016)
- DPH Launches Fight the Bite Campaign for Zika Prevention (May 9, 2016)
- State Strengthens Response Efforts to Fight the Bite as Summer Draws Near (May 26, 2016)
- Public Health, Kentucky Figh & Wildlife and State Parks Officials Work Together to Fight the Bite to Prevent Zika Virus in Kentucky (June 23, 2016)
- Public Health Officials Caution Pregnant Women To Avoid Traveling to Zika-Affected Areas (July 19, 2016)
- Public Health Showcases Fight the Bite Zika Prevention at State Fair (Aug. 18, 2016)
- Zika Virus Outbreaks Continue at Warm-Weather Vacation Destinations - Precautions Urged (Dec. 6, 2016)
- Spring Break Travelers Should Take Precautions Against Zika Virus (Mar. 6, 2017)
- Mosquito Proof Your Yard This Spring To Reduce Mosquito Population (Apr. 17, 2017)
Lab Testing in Kentucky
Instructions for Zika specimen collection and submission
Kentucky Department for Public Health Statewide Healthcare Conference Call References
April 8, 2016 Call