Zika Virus
The mosquito responsible for the spread of Zika virus worldwide,
Aedes aegypti, is currently not established in Alameda County. The potential for introduction of non-native mosquitoes, like
Aedes aegypti, is always present. As a result, we are preparing for the possibility of Zika entering Alameda County by:
- Increasing surveillance for invasive Aedes mosquitoes throughout the County. Specialized traps for collecting container breeding Aedes mosquitoes (like Aedes aegypti) are scattered all around the County in nurseries, garden centers, pottery stores, cemeteries, community parks, and port distribution centers.
- Working with Alameda County Public Health Department and Berkeley Public Health Division to increase invasive Aedes mosquito surveillance in the vicinity of travel related Zika cases.
- Sending eggs of all Aedes mosquitoes collected in surveillance traps to a UC Davis laboratory to test for species type.
- Engaging community groups for help in door to door educational campaigns if invasive Aedes mosquitoes are detected in Alameda County.
What you can do help us keep invasive Aedes mosquitoes out of Alameda County:
- Inspect your yard regularly and remove any clutter or container that may hold water.
- If you store water, make sure all containers are tightly covered to keep mosquitoes out.
- Scrub outdoor containers that have held water with hot, soapy water to kill any potential mosquito eggs.
- Wear mosquito repellent when spending time outdoors.
- Talk to your neighbors - share what you know.
If you will be traveling to an area with Zika virus:
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Use insect repellent. (Look for these ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, OLE, or PMD.) Reapply as directed. Remember to apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent.
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Cover exposed skin when possible.
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Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms. Use a bed net if you're sleeping outside.
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Zika can also be spread through sex, so use latex condoms if you have sex.
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Watch for symptoms after you get home.
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Call your doctor immediately if you suspect Zika.
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Use insect repellent for 3 weeks after travel.
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Use condoms when you have sex.
Pregnant? Trying to conceive?
Zika is linked to birth defects. Pregnant women should consider postponing travel to any area with Zika. If your male partner travels to these areas, either use condoms or don't have sex for the rest of your pregnancy.
Additional Resource from the CDC
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