What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is a disease spread by infected mosquitoes. Similar to WNV, many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. However, because Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel alert (Level 2-Practice Enhanced Precautions) for people – especially pregnant women and their partners – traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. As of July 2016, there have been confirmed cases of local transmission of Zika virus in the southern portion of the continental United States. 

Where is Zika virus found?

Zika in suburban Cook County

The types of mosquitoes that carry Zika do not thrive in suburban Cook County so at the present time, local transmission is considered unlikely. CCDPH is urging women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant (and their partners), to Fight the Bite Cook County and learn more about CDC’s recommendations to:

• delay travel to Zika-affected areas
• prevent sexual transmission
• avoid mosquito bites

Zika in Illinois

The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), tracks cases of Zika virus across the state using a robust surveillance system and has issued guidance to local health departments, hospitals, infectious disease physicians, and infections control preventionists. For the most current information about Zika cases in the state of Illinois, click here.