Arizona Health Department Launches Zika Campaign
Currently, there are 57 travel-associated cases of Zika in Arizona. There have been no locally acquired cases reported in the state, according to AZDHS.
Urging the state's residents to "Fight the bite to keep Zika out of Arizona," the Arizona Department of Health Services on April 24 launched a new public awareness campaign asking both residents and visitors to take precautions to prevent the spread of the Zika virus in Arizona. "Currently, there are 57 travel-associated cases of Zika in Arizona. There have been no locally acquired cases reported in the state," according to the AZDHS announcement.
"As we enjoy the scenic beauty our state has to offer and as travel season begins, there are a number of important precautions Arizonans can take to protect themselves and others from Zika," said Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey. "Let's work together to fight the bite and do what we can to keep the virus from spreading on a local level."
Funding for the campaign comes from grants from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
"The Arizona Department of Health Services is proactively working with our partners to prevent the spread of disease in our state and we need the community’s help,” said Dr. Cara Christ, director of the department. "This new campaign will help build awareness about the steps people can take to prevent the spread of Zika, such as using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeve shirts and long pants when you're outdoors, and removing standing water from around your home."
The campaign includes billboards, radio public service announcements, and digital ads that will be targeted to those who are most at risk, such as people traveling to Zika-affected areas and women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.
Campaign resources and materials and more information about preventing Zika in Arizona can be found here; for CDC information, visit cdc.gov/zika.