Safety Short: Zika Virus

The Zika virus was identified as a new virus in a rhesus monkey in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947 and is transmitted primarily through mosquito bites. The first human cases were detected in Uganda and Tanzania in 1952. Then, in 2007 there was a wide-spread outbreak of the virus, and in 2015, the virus spread to the Americas. Only one in five people infected with the Zika virus will experience symptoms, and those symptoms will be mild. However, some individuals may experience more serious symptoms, and the virus may cause birth defects if a pregnant woman is infected.This course was developed and reviewed with subject matter support provided by certified subject matter experts and industry professionals. Please note, the course materials and content were current with the laws and regulations at the time of the last expert review, however, they may not reflect the most current legal developments. Nothing herein, or in the course materials, shall be construed as professional advice as to any particular situation with respect to compliance with legal statutes or requirements.