Is the U.S. at risk of a widespread outbreak?

While areas in the south and southcentral U.S. are home to the type of mosquito that transmits the Zika virus, a widespread outbreak is not expected. If U.S. mosquitoes become infected with the virus, it will likely result in localized outbreaks which can be controlled through good surveillance and mosquito control efforts. Additionally, in the U.S. there is widespread use of window screens and air conditioning which reduce exposure to mosquitoes. The CDC's assumption is based on studies of other mosquito‐borne diseases, such as dengue and Chikungunya, that had localized transmission in the U.S. but did not expand to large, uncontrollable outbreaks.

Show All Answers

1. What is Zika?
2. What are the countries and territories that have reported ongoing transmission in the Americas Region?
3. Are there any people with Zika in the US or New Jersey?
4. Why has the CDC issued a travel alert for Zika if there is no transmission in the US?
5. What can we expect in the near future?
6. Is the U.S. at risk of a widespread outbreak?