The Kane County Health Department is working with its partners to prepare for its appearance in our area. While we are still learning more about Zika virus, because it is not known to spread through casual contact, the public at large is at extremely low risk of transmission.
The primary type of mosquito that has been found to transmit Zika virus (Aedes aegypti) is rarely found in Illinois. Therefore, transmission of the virus from human-to-mosquito and then from mosquito-to-human is extremely unlikely at this time. However, spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has been reported. Technically, the illness is described as a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Flavivirus, closely related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile viruses.
There is no vaccine against Zika virus. Severe illnesses due to Zika are rare, but the CDC has confirmed it has caused increased incidence of microcephaly in South America. As a result, pregnant women are advised not to travel to Zika affected countries.
West Nile Virus & the Zika Virus are spread by different types of mosquitoes
The Culex mosquito (above) carrier of the West Nile Virus Commonly found in the Midwestern USA
The Aedes mosquito (above) carrier of the Zika Virus Currently NOT commonly found in the Midwestern USA
Contact your local City/Village/Township Administrator to learn more about your local mosquito Abatement Program.
CDC Zika Information fo Travelers Video: Zika 101 Video: Zika Q&A CDC Zika Page CDC Zika Page for Pregnant Women CDC Zika Page - En Español IDPH Zika Page Zika Virus Q&A IDPH PAHO Zika Page Zika & Pregnancy Q&A PAHO Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers Zika Infographic CDC Map: Aedes Aegypti potential abundance in the U.S. Communicable Disease Main Page
