Zika Virus

In May 2015, Zika virus (pronounced: zeeka) was found for the first time in the Americas. Currently, a large outbreak is ongoing in the region including South and Central America, Mexico, and the Caribbean, and U.S.citizens traveling to these regions are at risk for infection.

Zika virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes; however illness in healthy people is generally mild. Only about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika have symptoms which include fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms include muscle pain and headache. Currently, there is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus infection. To date, only imported cases have been found in the U.S. although a new case in Dallas, Texas appears to show the Zika Virus can be transmitted sexually.

The most effective way of controlling Zika is to eliminate mosquitoes. The number of mosquitoes in and around homes can be reduced byemptying standing water from containers, the primary habitat of Zika vectors.

The virus will most likely continue to spread in areas with competent vectors. Travel-associated cases have been reported in the U.S.,which may result in local transmission and outbreaks. With many unknowns regarding the potential for local mosquito species to act as vectors,surveillance will be stressed. Bay County Mosquito Control will employ BG-Sentinel traps in 2016 which are designed to capture Aedes aegypti and Aedesalbopictus (neither of which has previously been captured in Michigan)."At this time, we don't feel like there is any reason for alarm with Zikain Michigan, but we are taking it seriously," said Mosquito Control biologist Mary McCarry.

For more information on the Zika virus, please view the attached fact sheet. You can also view Mary McCarry's presentation to the Board of Commissioners by clicking here. Please feel free to contact the Bay County Health Department at for health related questions, for vector and mosquito related questions, please contact Bay County Mosquito Control.