Zika and travel in the news: a content analysis of US news stories during the outbreak in 2016–2017

This study aimed to understand what information the US media communicated about Zika virus (ZIKV) and travel in 2016 and 2017. We conducted a content analysis of news coverage about ZIKV and travel from April 5, 2016 to March 31, 2017. We obtained a stratified, random sample of English language, US print newspaper and television news coverage about ZIKV and travel. We developed a coding scheme to assess key messages in the news, including how ZIKV is transmitted, the symptoms and outcomes of ZIKV infection, and recommended prevention behaviors. Almost all news stories mentioned mosquito-borne transmission (96.8%) and just over half mentioned sexual transmission (55.3%). News stories were more likely to talk about ZIKV outcomes (78.8%) than ZIKV symptoms (40.6%). However, outcomes affecting babies were mentioned more frequently than outcomes affecting adults. Recommendations included a wide array of protective behaviors, such as delaying or avoiding travel (77.6%) and using mosquito repellent (41.0%). However, few studies (10.9%) mentioned barriers to practicing ZIKV prevention behaviors. Public health organizations and professionals can use these findings to help improve communication about future outbreaks of mosquito-borne illnesses. We also recommend conducting real-time monitoring of news media and frequent content analysis of news stories to ensure coverage provides the information the public needs. •News coverage about how Zika virus was transmitted was unbalanced with almost all mentioning mosquito-borne transmission and just over half mentioning sexual transmission.•The majority of news stories mentioned outcomes. Outcomes affecting babies were mentioned more frequently than outcomes affecting adults.•Just over three quarters of news stories mentioned delaying or avoiding travel as a prevention strategy.•Public health organizations should develop a real-time media monitoring plan for public health emergencies.