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Health Department

Zika Information

About Zika

Zika is a mosquito-transmitted virus. The virus is not new, but it has only recently been recognized in the Western Hemisphere. The virus is typically transmitted from an infected person to a susceptible person by mosquito bites.

The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon. The infection and illness resolve on their own without treatment. However, a connection between Zika virus infection and a birth defect known as microcephaly has raised major concerns for women of childbearing age living in or considering travel to affected countries.

Not all mosquito species can spread Zika virus. The most important mosquito that transmits the virus is Aedes aegypti, which is not found in Nashville. However, our most common nuisance mosquito, Aedes albopictus (the ‘Asian Tiger mosquito’) appears to be capable of spreading Zika virus, at least under some conditions. They breed in standing water, typically in containers found in populated areas. The mosquitoes that carry West Nile virus (mainly Culex mosquitoes) also breed in standing water.



  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
    from mosquito bites.
    • Always follow the product label instructions

If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick:




Information for travelers

Traveling? Visit CDC's Travelers Health website to see if the country you plan to visit has any travel health notices.

Zika Spring Breakers Information

For more information about Zika visit: