​​​Zika Virus

​Zika virus disease (Zika) is a nationally notifiable condition. There is no current local transmission of Zika virus in the continental United States. Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika cases reported from U.S. territories. No mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus has ever been reported in Alaska and Hawaii.​ (Source: CDC​)

The primary type of mosquito that has been found to transmit Zika virus (Aedes aegypti) is unlikely to be found in Illinois. Therefore, transmission of the virus from human-to-mosquito and then from mosquito-to-human is extremely unlikely at this time. However, spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact has been reported. Technically, the illness is described as a single-stranded RNA virus of the genus Flavivirus, closely related to dengue, yellow fever, Japanese encephalitis and West Nile viruses.

There is no vaccine against Zika virus. Severe illnesses due to Zika are rare, but the CDC has confirmed it has caused increased incidence of microcephaly in South America. As a result, pregnant women are advised not to travel to Zika affected countries.

West Nile Virus & the Zika Virus are spread by different types of mosquitoes

Aedes vexans - BugGuide.Net
Invasive mosquito breeds discontent - The Sun-Gazette Newspaper​​
​The Culex mosquito, carrier of the West Nile Virus, is very common Illinois.
The inland floodwater mosquito (Aedes vexans) is very common in Illinois.
The Aedes aegypti mosquito, carrier of the Zika virus, is NOT commonly found in northern Illinois.


Contact your local city/village/township administrator to learn more about your local mosquito abatement program.

Links & Resources

​CDC: Zika Virus​​
IDPH: Mosquitos, including those commonly found in Illinois
IDPH: Mosquitos and disease
IDPH: Zika

Communicable Disease Main Page