FORT LEE, Va. (May 5, 2015) -- The Zika virus continues to be a popular topic in the news these days with frequent updates from the disease management community on where it has spread and what health experts are discovering about the illness. One recent report identified Richmond as an "at-risk" area for potential cases, which is why continued education on the situation is vital.

Zika is transmitted to humans primarily from the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus. It is similar to dengue and chikungunya, diseases spread through the same mosquitoes that carry Zika. The common symptoms of the virus are fever, rash, joint pain and/or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include muscle pain and headache.

Symptoms usually begin 3-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito, however, most people experience mild symptoms or none at all. For this reason, many might not realize they have been infected.

Zika also has been linked to a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Since the virus can be transmitted sexually, it is recommended all men who have recently traveled to an area with active Zika transmission to abstain from sex or use condoms -- especially if their partner is pregnant.

For more information on Zika virus symptoms and transmission, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website at www.cdc.gov/zika/ .

Zika cases have been reported in many parts of South and Central America, the Pacific Islands and the Caribbean region, as well as the American territories of Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands and American Samoa. Since all reported cases thus far have been traced to areas outside the continental United States, travelers are at the highest risk. If anyone is planning on traveling out of the country, visit the CDC Traveler's Health website at http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/ for the most current guidance on the specific travel destination. For TRICARE beneficiaries, consult your local preventive medicine department for a traveler's health consultation.

In the Fort Lee area, aedes albopictus -- the Asian Tiger Mosquito -- is among the most common species of these insects and a potential carrier. The virus must first migrate into the local area before there is a potential to acquire it locally. Again, check the CDC's website for the latest information on possible reported cases in the U.S.

Finally, what can individuals do to reduce the risk of mosquito bites, and thus being infected, in the Fort Lee area?

The answer to that question begins with these two words -- dump and cover.

In the case of Asian Tiger Mosquitoes, eliminating their habitat is key. Full public participation is crucial because these insects are extremely localized since they do not travel far from their breeding area. Tiger mosquitoes are called "container breeders" because they do not reproduce in ponds but in artificial containers such as clogged rain gutters, the rainwater that collects inside of an old tire or an empty trash can.

People should check their front, back and side yards for containers that may have collected rain or sprinkler water, empty them and store them in such a way they do not fill with water. The eggs take 7-10 days to hatch, so it's best to pick one day a week to inspect all yards for any water collected over the week and dump it out.

It also is important for people to cover themselves with personal protective equipment when it comes to vector-borne disease prevention. PPE for mosquitoes is permethrin-treated clothing, long pants and sleeves, and applying an EPA registered insect repellent on exposed skin. Most ACUs are pre-treated with permethrin, but home kits can be purchased for personal clothing as well. Always wear PPE when outdoors during mosquito season.

For any questions or to read more about the Zika virus, visit the CDC website. For more information on how to eliminate mosquitoes from your property, contact Fort Lee Environmental Health at (804) 734-9652.