With the holiday and travel season upon us, Arizonans are encouraged to continue to rebel against arboviruses like chikungunya, dengue, and Zika. Whether you are traveling to a galaxy far, far away or to lands much closer to home, we encourage you to “Fight the Bite” and support resistance efforts.
If you have a bad feeling about any of your potential destinations, check the CDC website to see if Zika is spreading in the area. If you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, discuss the potential risks with your healthcare provider before you leave.
During your trip, stay on target and in places with air conditioning or intact window and door screens. Wear long pants and sleeves and use insect repellent to keep mosquitoes from biting. After returning to your home base, take the same steps to avoid mosquito bites for at least three weeks. This will keep any viruses from invading the local mosquito population.
If you experience any Zika symptoms, such as fever, rash, conjunctivitis (red/watery eyes), or joint pain, after traveling, visit your healthcare provider. Remember to tell your provider about your travel history during your visit. If you have questions about Zika virus, call our toll-free Zika virus hotline: 1-877-518-4633.
Remember, chikungunya, dengue, and Zika virus are not the arboviruses you are looking for: working together to “Fight the Bite” is our only hope!
