The Zika virus is part of the same family as the viruses that cause yellow fever, West Nile, Chikungunya and Dengue. Zika has received widespread attention due to its connection to microcephaly, a neurological disorder that causes babies to be born with abnormally small brains.
Zika is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. It is not known how often Zika is transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or at birth.
Anyone living in or traveling to an area where Zika virus is found who has not already been infected with Zika virus is at risk for infection.
About one in five people infected with Zika will get sick. For those who develop symptoms, the illness is usually mild. Because of this, many people may not realize they have been infected.
Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito and may include:
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection or medicine to treat it. With no treatment available, the best protection against Zika is to avoid travel to areas with an active infestation. If you must travel to a country where Zika is present, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises:
See your health care provider if you develop a fever, rash, joint pain or red eyes within 2 weeks after traveling to a country where Zika virus cases have been reported. Be sure to inform your health care provider of your recent travel history.
Mosquito Prevention Poster(PDF, 1MB)