Emergent and Travel Related Mosquito Viruses
Zika Virus
During 2016, Zika virus cases have been reported from both returning travelers to the US and locally acquired in the states of Florida and Texas primarily from the bite of infected Ae. aegypti mosquitoes.
As the status of Zika virus in Massachusetts and the United States changes, information can be found at the following state and federal websites:
Chikungunya Virus (CHIKV)
Chikungunya virus is transmitted to people by mosquitoes. The most common symptoms of chikungunya virus infection are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection. Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with chikungunya virus, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
For more information on Chikungunya Virus please visit:
Dengue Virus (DENV)
A continuing arboviral concern in the continental United States is Dengue virus (DENV), also known as “Break bone fever”. Very few cases of locally-acquired Dengue are confirmed in the US every year. Symptoms of Dengue include high fever, severe headache, severe pain behind the eyes, joint pain, muscle and bone pain, rash, and mild bleeding. A more dangerous manifestation, frequently when there have been multiple dengue episodes in an individual, is Dengue hemorrhagic fever. After the fever declines, there is persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and difficulty in breathing. This can be followed by excessive bleeding into the body cavities leading to circulatory failure and shock, followed by death. There is no medication for the prevention or treatment of Dengue.
For more information on Dengue Virus please visit: