Zika Virus

Zika virus is mainly spread to people through mosquito bites. (Read about "Insect Bites") There have also been cases of sexual transmission of the virus. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis. (Read about "Skin Rash" "Conjunctivitis") According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.

Zika virus has been linked to clusters of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly in both French Polynesia and Brazil. Microcephaly is a condition in which a baby's head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age. Zika has also been linked to other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant. CDC recommends special precautions be taken by pregnant women (no matter what trimester they are in) and women attempting to get pregnant. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is evolving

CDC says Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has also been reported in patients with probable Zika virus infection in French Polynesia and Brazil. Research efforts are underway to examine if there is a potential link between Zika and GBS. (Read about "Guillain-Barré Syndrome")

Prevention

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. People can protect themselves from this disease by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. Use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.

Knowledge of the link between a woman's Zika infection and birth defects in her baby continues to evolve. (Read about "Birth Defects") CDC says pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. (Read about "Stages of Pregnancy") Pregnant women who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip.