Updated April 2017 — Florida State University is taking proactive steps to comprehensively address Zika virus concerns in the North Florida area.
While there have been no locally acquired mosquito-borne cases reported in Leon County at this time, university administrators continue to work in direct coordination with local, state and federal officials to ensure the safety of the FSU community.
Zika virus primarily spreads through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters and are also known to bite at night. Zika virus can also be passed through sexual contact from a person who has Zika to his or her sexual partners.
The two primary ways to prevent the contraction and spread of Zika virus are:
Florida State University continues to educate its students on how to reduce the risk of Zika exposure through a number of methods. This includes engaging students directly with Zika awareness and prevention tips via email, on the university’s websites and on social media platforms. University health officials distributed informational posters, handouts and door hangers throughout campus, including in student residence halls.
Additionally, all university health and support staff have received updated Zika information and training. This includes all clinician staff: physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in the Health and Wellness Center’s Primary Care Clinic and Priority Clinic and the FSU Women’s Clinic.
FSU’s Center for Health and Advocacy staff will continue to share Zika prevention tips, information and updates during all health promotion events.
FSU Facilities and Grounds staff are actively seeking and emptying areas of standing or stagnant water on campus. Faculty, students and staff are encouraged to do the same whenever they encounter standing water on campus and off, especially in the neighborhoods and residences in the campus vicinity.
The Zika Virus Information Hotline for Florida residents and visitors can be reached at 855-622-6735 and additional information can be found at the Centers for Disease Control website.
