ZIKA VIRUS FACT SHEET 

What is the Zika Virus? 

Zika virus is a mosquito-transmitted infection related to dengue, yellow fever and West Nile virus. It is 

primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Over the years 

a number of small outbreaks of this virus have occurred in Africa, Asia, and the Pacific Islands, but the 

effects on human health were minimal. A little over nine months ago, the virus was found in South 

America for the first time when Brazil confirmed several "locally acquired" cases. In the following 

months, locally acquired infections have been confirmed in a number of South and Central American 

countries. 

Currently, no cases of mosquito-borne Zika Virus transmission have occurred in the continental United 

States. However, as of March 16, 2016, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has 

reported 283 locally acquired case of the Zika Virus in Puerto Rico, the US Virgin Islands, and American 

Samoa. Inspectors in those locations may be at risk. 

What can FSIS employees do to minimize the risk of exposure while working at an establishment? 

The best way to protect against infection is to follow CDC guidelines. Some of the guidelines that apply 

to inspection personnel are: 

• Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. 

o Always follow the product label instructions. 

o Reapply insect repellent as directed. 

o Do not spray repellent on the skin under clothing. 

o If you are also using sunscreen, apply sunscreen before applying insect repellent. 

• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. 

Reimbursement for Insect Repellent 

Inspectors who do ante mortem inspections in regions that have active transmission via mosquitos 

(including foreign travel) will be reimbursed for insect repellent. Reimbursement procedures can be 

found in Directive 3410.3 Reimbursement Provisions for Inspection Expenditures. Employees will only 

be reimbursed for a quantity of repellent that is appropriate for personal use. 

Consumer Reports recently evaluated insect repellents and found that products that contain at least 

20% Picaridin or 25% DEET to be the most effective. 

What are the health effects of the Zika Virus? 

According to the CDC, the most common symptoms of Zika virus are fever, rash, joint pain, or 

conjunctivitis (red eyes). Most people will only experience mild symptoms, lasting for a few days to a 

week and the virus is very rarely fatal. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be 

protected from future infections. However there is still cause for concern. Although not confirmed, 

there is strong and growing evidence that infection with Zika virus has resulted in a higher likelihood of 

Guillain-Barré syndrome and the birth defect called Microcephaly. 

Environmental, Safety and Health Group (ESHG) 

Authors: Todd Nixon, Laurie Segna and Curtis Wallis 

Date: 05-26-2016 

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Guillain-Barré syndrome is a disorder in which the body's immune system attacks part of the peripheral 

nervous system. 

Microcephaly is a birth defect causing newborns to have unusually small heads and incomplete brain 

development. Although there is no expert consensus, there is growing evidence suggesting that 

infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy may cause microcephaly. The CDC has urged pregnant 

women not to travel to about two dozen countries, mostly in the Caribbean and Latin America, where 

the outbreak is growing. 

How is the Zika Virus transmitted? 

The most common way to become infected with the Zika virus is through a bite from a mosquito capable 

of transmitting the disease. 

There is also strong evidence that the Zika virus can be transmitted sexually. Updated guidelines for 

safe sexual activity after visiting a region with confirmed cases of the Zika virus can be found at 

http://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/qa-sexual-transmission.html. 

Is there a vaccine available? 

There currently is no vaccine available. 

What other procedures should be followed by FSIS employees? 

As always, inspectors should follow the sanitation procedures and employee hygiene as specified in 9 

CFR 416.4 and 416.5. Therefore, when inspectors reenter a facility they must thoroughly wash their 

hands so that the insect repellant does not become a contaminant. 

See your health care provider if you develop symptoms of Zika virus and work in or travel to areas where 

Zika virus is found. 

Where can FSIS employees turn for information on the Zika Virus? 

Centers for Disease Control Zika Virus Page - http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html 

Consumer Reports "Best Mosquito Repellants" - http://www.consumerreports.org/insectrepellents/mosquito-repellents-that-best-protect-against-zika 

National Institute Health Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) page -

http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/gbs/detail_gbs.htm#3139_1 

Directive 3410.3 Reimbursement Provisions for Inspection Expenditures 

https://inside.fsis.usda.gov/fsis/emp/static/centerContent/fsisPage.jsp?keyword=ESHGDirectives5257 

How should training for this Health Hazard Information Sheet be recorded? 

Per requirements found in FSIS Directive 4791.1 Section IX, all occupational health and safety training is 

to be recorded using either AgLearn or FSIS form 3530-12. Training records are to include the topics 

covered, date, and employee name. The Agency is to retain all training records for a minimum of five 

years.” 

Environmental, Safety and Health Group (ESHG) 

Authors: Todd Nixon, Laurie Segna and Curtis Wallis 

Date: 05-26-2016 

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