Zika Virus in Grand Rapids, Michigan: What You Need to Know

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that has caused outbreaks in many parts of the world. While there is no local Zika transmission in Grand Rapids or Michigan at this time, residents who travel to affected countries—or who have partners who travel—still need to understand the risks, symptoms, and prevention strategies.

Local healthcare systems in Grand Rapids, including Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health – University of Michigan Health, and Mercy Health, are prepared to evaluate and manage suspected Zika virus infections, especially in pregnant patients and travelers returning from affected areas.

About Zika Virus

Zika virus (ZIKV) is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, especially Aedes aegypti. This is the same mosquito that can transmit dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Key facts:

  • Most people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms.
  • When symptoms occur, they are usually mild and short‑lived.
  • Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly (an abnormally small head and brain).
  • Rarely, Zika infection can trigger Guillain‑Barré syndrome (GBS) and other neurological complications.

Although Aedes aegypti is not established in Michigan due to our cold winters, residents of Grand Rapids who travel to tropical and subtropical regions—especially during winter months—can still be exposed.

Where Zika Virus Occurs

Zika outbreaks have been reported in:

  • Africa
  • The Americas (especially Central and South America, the Caribbean)
  • Asia
  • Europe
  • The Pacific Islands

In the United States, most Zika cases have occurred in travelers returning from countries with active Zika transmission. There is no known local mosquito-borne Zika transmission in Michigan.

For the most up‑to‑date list of countries with active Zika transmission, Grand Rapids travelers should check:

History of Zika Virus

  • 1947 – Zika virus was first identified in monkeys in Uganda.
  • 1952 – The first human cases were detected.
  • Since 2007 – Multiple outbreaks have occurred worldwide.
  • 2015–2016 – A large outbreak began in Brazil and spread across the Americas, leading the World Health Organization (WHO) to declare a global health emergency.
  • Since then, the major outbreak has declined, but smaller outbreaks continue to occur in various countries.

Symptoms of Zika Virus

Most People Do Not Develop Symptoms

Around 80% of people infected with Zika virus have no symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they usually:

  • Start within 2 weeks of exposure
  • Are mild
  • Last from a few days up to a week

Common Symptoms

Symptoms can include:

  • Fever
  • Skin rash
  • Itchy, red eyes (conjunctivitis)
  • Headache
  • Muscle and joint pain

Zika virus illness is usually not severe and rarely requires hospitalization.

Possible Complications of Zika Virus

Although most infections are mild, Zika can cause serious complications in some people.

Neurological Complications

  • Guillain‑Barré syndrome (GBS)
    • A rare disorder where the immune system attacks the nerves
    • Can cause muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis
  • Encephalitis – inflammation of the brain
  • Meningitis – inflammation of the tissues around the brain and spinal cord
  • Myelitis – inflammation of the spinal cord

These complications are rare but can be serious and require urgent medical care.

Pregnancy and Birth Defects

Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to:

  • Miscarriage
  • Stillbirth
  • Microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain)
  • Other serious brain and developmental abnormalities in the baby

Because of these risks, pregnant people in Grand Rapids or those trying to conceive should be especially cautious about travel to Zika‑affected areas and potential sexual exposure.

How Zika Virus Spreads

Zika virus is most commonly spread:

  • Through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, mainly Aedes aegypti

Zika can also be transmitted:

  • Through sexual contact (vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and sharing sex toys)
  • From mother to baby during pregnancy
  • Rarely, through blood transfusion or organ transplantation

To reduce the risk of Zika transmission through blood products, blood donation centers in the U.S.—including those serving Grand Rapids—may ask donors about recent travel to Zika‑affected areas and may defer donations for a period of time after travel.

Diagnosis of Zika Virus in Grand Rapids

If you live in Grand Rapids and have recently traveled to a country with active Zika transmission, you should seek medical care if you develop symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes within 2 weeks of your return.

Diagnosis usually involves:

  • Medical history, including:
    • Detailed travel history in the 2 weeks before symptoms started
    • Possible sexual exposure to a partner who traveled
  • Physical examination
  • Laboratory testing, which may include:
    • Blood tests
    • Urine or other specimen testing to detect the virus or antibodies

You can be evaluated through:

  • Your primary care provider in Grand Rapids
  • Local hospital systems such as Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • The Kent County Health Department or Grand Rapids Public Health for guidance on testing and reporting

Treatment for Zika Virus

Zika Virus Disease Is Usually Relatively Mild

There is no specific antiviral treatment and no cure for Zika virus. Treatment focuses on:

  • Relieving symptoms
  • Preventing complications
  • Monitoring pregnant patients and their babies

Recommended supportive care:

  • Get plenty of rest
  • Drink enough fluids to prevent dehydration
  • Treat pain and fever with medicines such as acetaminophen (paracetamol)

Important:
Do not take aspirin or other non‑steroidal anti‑inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen unless advised by your doctor, as they can increase the risk of bleeding and may complicate other infections like dengue.

If symptoms worsen or you develop new neurological symptoms (such as weakness, difficulty walking, or facial drooping), seek urgent medical care at a Grand Rapids emergency department.

Prevention: Protecting Yourself in Grand Rapids and When Traveling

1. Prevent Mosquito Bites

Although the mosquitoes that spread Zika are not established in Michigan, Grand Rapids residents often travel to warmer climates, especially during winter. When visiting areas with Zika transmission:

Clothing and Personal Protection

  • Wear light‑colored, long‑sleeved shirts, long pants, and enclosed shoes
  • Remember that mosquitoes can bite through tight, thin clothing
    • Choose loose‑fitting clothes when possible

Use Insect Repellent

  • Use EPA‑registered insect repellents containing:
    • DEET
    • Picaridin
  • Always use as directed on the product label.
  • Repellents with DEET or picaridin are considered safe for pregnant and breastfeeding people and for children older than 2 months when used correctly.

Treated Clothing and Gear

  • Use permethrin‑treated clothing and gear, such as:
    • Boots
    • Pants
    • Socks
    • Tents

Indoor Protection

  • Stay and sleep in screened‑in or air‑conditioned rooms whenever possible.
  • Use a mosquito bed net if your accommodation is not screened or air‑conditioned.

Around the Home (Especially in Warm Months)

Even though Zika‑carrying mosquitoes are not established here, reducing mosquitoes around your Grand Rapids home is still good practice for West Nile virus and other local concerns:

  • Remove standing water from:
    • Buckets, pots, toys, birdbaths, gutters, and other containers
  • Change outdoor pet water bowls regularly.
  • Keep window and door screens in good repair.

2. Prevent Sexual Transmission of Zika

People in Grand Rapids who travel to Zika‑affected areas—or who have partners who travel—should take steps to prevent sexual transmission.

General Recommendations

  • Consider not having sex (vaginal, anal, or oral, and avoid sharing sex toys) or
  • Consistently and correctly use condoms during travel and after returning from a Zika‑affected area.

This is especially important if:

  • You are pregnant, or
  • You or your partner are trying to get pregnant.

If You Are Returning from a Zika‑Affected Country

For males:

  • Do not have sex, or consistently use condoms for at least 3 months after returning.
  • Wait at least 3 months before donating sperm.

For females:

  • Do not have sex, or consistently use condoms for at least 2 months after returning.

If You Are Diagnosed with Zika

For males diagnosed with Zika (symptomatic or asymptomatic):

  • Do not have sex, or consistently use condoms for at least 3 months from:

    • The onset of symptoms, or
    • The date of Zika diagnosis (if no symptoms)

  • Wait at least 3 months before donating sperm.

For females diagnosed with Zika (symptomatic or asymptomatic):

  • Do not have sex, or consistently use condoms for at least 2 months from:
    • The onset of symptoms, or
    • The date of Zika diagnosis (if no symptoms)

If Your Partner Is Pregnant

For males with a pregnant partner:

  • It is particularly important to follow these recommendations:
    • Do not have sex, or consistently use condoms for the entire pregnancy, or
    • For at least 3 months after you were last in a Zika‑affected country or diagnosed with Zika—whichever is longer.

Always discuss your individual risk and situation with your doctor or an obstetric provider in Grand Rapids.

Zika Prevention for Pregnant People and Those Planning Pregnancy

Residents of Grand Rapids who are pregnant or trying to conceive should:

  • Avoid non‑essential travel to areas with active Zika transmission.
  • If travel is unavoidable:
    • Use strict mosquito‑bite prevention measures.
    • Use condoms or avoid sex during travel and for the recommended time after returning.
  • Talk to your OB‑GYN or midwife at:
    • Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health about:
      • Travel plans
      • Testing options
      • Ultrasound monitoring if exposure is suspected

The Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can also provide updated guidance and local resources.

Local Considerations for Grand Rapids, Michigan

  • Climate:
    • Grand Rapids has cold winters, which naturally limit mosquito activity.
    • Mosquito exposure is more likely during late spring, summer, and early fall—especially if you travel out of state or out of the country.
  • Travel patterns:
    • Many West Michigan residents vacation in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America during winter, when Zika risk may be higher in those regions.
  • Healthcare access:
    • Grand Rapids has strong healthcare systems and public health infrastructure.
    • If you are concerned about Zika, contact:
      • Your primary care provider
      • Your OB‑GYN
      • The Kent County Health Department

Where to Get Help in Grand Rapids

If you think you may have been exposed to Zika virus or have symptoms after travel:

  • Your GP / Primary Care Doctor in Grand Rapids
  • Local hospitals and clinics, including:
    • Corewell Health (Spectrum Health)
    • Trinity Health Grand Rapids
    • Metro Health – University of Michigan Health
    • Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department
  • Grand Rapids Public Health resources and hotlines
  • CDC Zika Information: https://www.cdc.gov/zika

Seek immediate care if you are pregnant and have traveled to a Zika‑affected area or have any symptoms suggestive of Zika.

Key Points About Zika Virus

  • There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available for Zika virus.
  • Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys.
  • Symptoms usually develop within 2 weeks of exposure.
  • Most people do not develop symptoms.
  • When symptoms are present, they are usually mild and last from a few days up to a week.
  • Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly.
  • Prevention focuses on:
    • Avoiding mosquito bites, especially when traveling to affected areas
    • Preventing sexual transmission with condoms or abstinence after exposure
    • Careful travel planning for pregnant people and those trying to conceive

For personalized advice, Grand Rapids residents should consult their healthcare provider and local public health agencies.