​Zika Virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus, transmitted primarily by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes (which do not live in Alaska). The most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis, which can occur from 3 to 12 days after exposure. The illness is usually mild, with only one out of five infected people developing symptoms.

Outbreaks of Zika have occurred in Africa, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and the Americas, with Puerto Rico reporting its first case of locally-acquired disease in December 2015. Locally transmitted Zika has not been reported anywhere else in the United States, but cases in returning travelers have been reported. In 2007, a case of Zika was confirmed in an Alaskan who traveled to Yap.

On January 15, 2016, CDC issued a Zika Health Advisory​. This advisory provides guidance for healthcare providers on recognizing, managing, and reporting Zika virus infections, and recommends caution for pregnant patients travelling to areas with Zika transmission due to the potential for complications of pregnancy.

Arbovirus infections (including Zika) became reportable conditions in December 2014. Providers are reminded to report all suspected Zika infections to the Alaska Section of Epidemiology (SOE) at (907) 269-8000.

For more Zika Virus information please visit the links below or call 269-8000.

CDC - Zika Virus

Alaska Department of Health and Social Services