Oh BABY! | 13 Zika is an infectious disease caused by Zika virus and can cause serious problems during pregnancy. Although most people with Zika do not experience symptoms, the signs can range from fever, to joint and/or muscle pain, head- ache, rash, throwing up and pink eye or pain behind the eyes. The illness can last between 2-7 days and is usually mild. Zika is usually spread to people through the bite of an infected mosquito, but can also be spread from human to human. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a human who has the virus and then spread the disease to other humans. Zika can be contracted sexually through infected bodily fluids or in the womb from a pregnant mother to her baby or by blood transfusions. For pregnant women, contracting the virus represents a risk to her unborn baby. Zika infection during pregnancy has been associated with miscarriages, stillbirths, microcepha- ly, and other brain problems in the baby. How to Protect Yourself from Zika: • Prevent mosquitos bites • Eliminate standing water and other mosquito breeding sites • Wear long sleeves and pants • Use EPA approved insect repellents • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens • Do not have unprotected sex if your partner may have been infected with Zika. If you do have sex, use a condom. If you are pregnant and think you have been exposed to Zika, notify your health provider. Your health provider will collect blood or urine to test for Zika or other viruses. If you live in South Texas and you are thinking about hav- ing a baby in the near future, talk to your doctor. Men are advised to wait at least 6 months after travel as Zika stays in the semen longer than in other body fluids. It is recom- mended for women to wait 2-3 months after travel. What You Should Know about ZIKA STOP ZIKA FOR MORE INFORMATION ON ZIKA PLEASE VISIT: or call: www.cob.us/1630/Zika www.cdc.gov/zika/ http://texaszika.org www.zikacareconnect.org mothertobaby.org www.co.cameron.tx.us/iHealth/ City of Brownsville - Public Health Dept. (956)547-3437 or (956) 546-HELP (4357) Cameron County Public Health Department (956) 247-3599 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 1(770) 488-7100 If living in Matamoros, Mexico please call Matamoros Secretaria de Salud Publica at (868) 822-5914 or (868) 817-4650