Zika Virus

Before Traveling

If you're planning travel to an area of the world experiencing Zika virus transmission, make sure you're prepared to protect yourself from mosquitoes:

•  Use an EPA-registered insect repellent with DEET, Picaridin, IR35235, 2-undecanone, or Oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol
• Wear pants and long-sleeved shirts
• Take steps to control mosquitoes where you are staying: ensure there are screens on windows and doors; use air conditioning when available; remove standing/stagnant water

If you're planning international travel, make an appointment at the Salt Lake County Health Department International Travel Clinicby calling 385-468-4111. While there is no vaccine for Zika virus, our experienced travel nurses will give you the education, immunizations, and prescriptions necessary to stay healthy and safe from a variety of illnesses while abroad.

After Traveling

Many people infected with Zika virus won't have symptoms. But if you traveled to a Zika-affected area, watch for the following symptoms and visit your health care provider if you're concerned:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Muscle pain
• Headache

If you're pregnant, or planning to become pregnant, you may need to be tested for Zika virus after traveling. See the "Pregnant Women" tab above for more information.

If you have not traveled to an area of the world experiencing Zika virus transmissionand you have not had unprotected sex with someone who has traveled to such an area, you are not at risk of contracting the virus in Salt Lake County; the mosquitoes in our area have not been shown to transmit Zika virus.

If you traveled to a Zika-affected area while pregnant or within two months of getting pregnant, or if you have had unprotected sex with someone who has traveled to such an area, see your health care provider to be evaluated for Zika virus testing.

Your health care provider will evaluate you and work with the health department to determine if you should be tested. You should also watch for symptoms of Zika infection:

• Fever
• Rash
• Joint pain
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Muscle pain
• Headache

Partners of pregnant women should abstain or use condoms for the remainder of their partner’s pregnancy if they have recently traveled to areas with local transmission of Zika.

The Salt Lake County Health Department recognizes that clinicians are one of our most important partners for educating the public about Zika virus and preventing its transmission. 

Zika Information Packet for Health Care Providers in Salt Lake County