The new semester is underway, the flu season is ending and a virus is making its reappearance in 2016.

The Zika virus is a disease that is spread by mosquito bites and exposure to their eggs. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys then rediscovered in humans in 1952.

Outbreaks of the virus has been recorded prior to 2015 in Africa, Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, according to the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

For 2016, there are no reported cases of Zika virus in the United States. However, there are active transmissions of the virus in Central and South America, Puerto Rico, and a few Caribbean islands.

As Linfield students are preparing for their semester abroad or are in route to start their journey, the International Program Office is monitoring the situations closely with contacts of the WHO, CDC and the State Department.

In reply to an email, Dr. Shaik Ismail, director of International Programs, said, “We are sending messages to our students who are currently in areas on the WHO list, giving precautionary measures suggested by WHO and CDC. We intend to include this topic in our pre-departure orientation in March for students studying abroad during 2016-17.”

Symptoms of the Zika virus are fever, skin rashes, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain and headache. The incubation period of the virus is unidentified, but the symptoms usually last 2-7 days.

Diagnosis of the virus can only be confirmed through laboratory testing of blood and body fluids.

The Zika virus can be prevented with reducing exposure of mosquitoes and people. As mosquitoes lay their eggs near water, it is recommended that containers with water are cleaned, covered and protected.

There is no vaccine for the Zika virus, but to treat the virus it is recommended by the CDC to take Tylenol, drink fluids and get plenty of rest.

Although Linfield is not at risk of the Zika virus, it is important to be aware of outbreaks and to be safe when traveling.