Special Section: Zika Virus FAQ and Information (ENGLISH)
Presented by
your WACH OB GYN Clinic
on Fort Irwin
Weed Army Community Hospital
Room 301, 170 Inner Loop Road
Fort Irwin, CA 92310
Pregnancy and Travel Notice:
See your healthcare provider if you are pregnant and develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes within 2 weeks after traveling to a place where Zika has been reported. Be sure to tell your health care provider where you traveled.
Attribution:
Materials and links appearing on this page
are from the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and Prevention.
Women and expectant mothers in the local Fort Irwin area are encouraged
to speak with their OB/GYN care giver if they have specific concerns or before travelling.
24/7 Hospital Main Desk:
(COM) 866-957-9224 or
(DSN) 470-3114
Appointments: (866)-957-9224
select "Option 3"
24/7 TRICARE: 800-874-2273
The Zika Virus: Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zika virus disease and what are the symptoms?
Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. People usually don't get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika.
About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
Does Zika virus infection in pregnant women cause birth defects?
There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly(http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/birthdefects/microcephaly.html) (a condition in which a baby's head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving, but until more is known, CDC recommends special precautions for the following groups:
Women who are pregnant (in any trimester):
Consider postponing travel to any area where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
If you must travel to one of these areas, talk to your doctor first and strictly follow steps to prevent mosquito bites during your trip.
Women who are trying to become pregnant:
Before you travel, talk to your doctor about your plans to become pregnant and the risk of Zika virus infection.
Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that spread Chikungunya and dengue. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and they can also bite at night. Mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. We are studying how some mothers can pass the virus to their babies.
Who is at risk of being infected?
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where Zika virus is found and has not already been infected with Zika virus can get it from mosquito bites.
What countries have Zika?
Specific areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time. If traveling, please visit the CDC Travelers' Health site for the most updated travel information.
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites. Here's how:
Protect yourself and your family wherever mosquitos are present:
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPA-registered insect repellents are evaluated for safety and effectiveness, and always follow the product label instructions.
Be mindful not to spray repellent on the skin under clothing, and if you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent.
If you have a baby or child:
DO NOT use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.
DO NOT apply insect repellent onto a child's hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin.
DO dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs and cover the crib, stroller and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Both you and your child should sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
If you treat clothing with permethrin:
DO NOT use permethrin products directly on skin. They are intended to treat clothing. If treating the items yourself follow the instructions carefully and to the letter.
This website provides official, unclassified information about the Weed Army Community Hospital on Fort Irwin. It is intended for members of the public, the media and TRICARE beneficiaries. Do not report medical/clinical information or real-time medical emergencies to this Web site. Do not submit personally identifying information beyond your name and phone number or email address.
