🦟 ZIKA VIRUS REPORTED IN NEW JERSEY FOR FIRST TIME SINCE 2020
New Jersey health officials confirmed a Middlesex County resident contracted the Zika virus while traveling abroad, marking the state's first case since 2020. Although the risk remains low, residents are encouraged to use repellent and eliminate standing water to prevent mosquito bites.
MIDDLESEX COUNTY, NJ — New Jersey health officials have confirmed the state’s first reported case of Zika virus since 2020, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.
The NJDOH was notified on July 15 of a confirmed case involving a Middlesex County resident. Officials said the infection was travel-associated, meaning the individual contracted Zika while traveling outside of New Jersey.
Health officials emphasized that the risk to New Jersey residents remains extremely low.
🦟 HOW ZIKA SPREADS
Zika is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The virus can also be transmitted sexually and from a pregnant person to a fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects. (CDC)
Most people infected with Zika have no symptoms or only mild illness. Possible symptoms include:
🌡️ Fever 🔴 Rash 🤕 Headache 🦴 Joint and muscle pain 👁️ Red eyes
There is currently no vaccine or specific medicine to prevent or treat Zika infection. (CDC)
🛡️ HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Residents can reduce their risk by taking precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing protective clothing and eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
The CDC also recommends precautions to prevent sexual transmission, particularly for people who are pregnant or planning pregnancy. (CDC)
📊 Zika and other vector-borne disease information is tracked by the New Jersey Department of Health through its Vector-Borne Disease Data Dashboard.
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