Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus).
The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.
How Zika spreads
Zika can be transmitted
Through mosquito bites
From a pregnant woman to her fetus
Through sex
Through blood transfusion (very likely but not confirmed)
Zika symptoms
Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are:
Fever
Rash
Headache
Joint pain
Red eyes
Muscle pain
Symptoms can last for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. Once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections.
Why Zika is risky for some people
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly and other severe brain defects. It is also linked to other problems, such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and other birth defects. There have also been increased reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome, an uncommon sickness of the nervous system, in areas affected by Zika.
How to prevent Zika
There is no vaccine to prevent Zika. The best way to prevent diseases spread by mosquitoes is to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites.
Clothing
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Treat your clothing and gear with permethrin or buy pre-treated items.
Insect repellent
Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents with one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol, or 2-undecanone. Always follow the product label instructions.
When used as directed, these insect repellents are proven safe and effective even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Do not use insect repellents on babies younger than 2 months old.
Do not use products containing oil of lemon eucalyptus or para-menthane-diol on children younger than 3 years old.
At Home
Stay in places with air conditioning and window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Take steps to control mosquitoes inside and outside your home.
Mosquito netting can be used to cover babies younger than 2 months old in carriers, strollers, or cribs.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if air conditioned or screened rooms are not available or if sleeping outdoors.
Sexual transmission
Prevent sexual transmission of Zika by using condoms or not having sex.
How Zika is diagnosed
Diagnosis of Zika is based on a person’s recent travel history, symptoms, and test results.
A blood or urine test can confirm a Zika infection.
Symptoms of Zika are similar to other illnesses spread through mosquito bites, like dengue and chikungunya.
Your doctor or other healthcare provider may order tests to look for several types of infections.
What to do if you have Zika
There is no specific medicine or vaccine for Zika virus. Treat the symptoms:
Get plenty of rest.
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.
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