Key points
- Zika virus spreads to people mostly through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy.
- Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
- No vaccines or medicines are available to prevent or treat Zika virus disease (Zika).
- Reduce your risk by preventing mosquito bites and using condoms or not having sex.
Overview
Zika is a disease caused by a virus spread by infected mosquitoes. Zika virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia, and the Western Pacific. Illness is generally mild, but infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is associated with other pregnancy problems.
Symptoms
Many people infected with Zika will not have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain, and red eyes.
How it spreads
Zika virus spreads to people through the bites of infected mosquitoes. The virus can also spread through sex, from mother to baby during pregnancy, and through infected blood or tissues.
Prevention
No vaccines or medicines are available to prevent Zika. Reduce your risk of infection by preventing mosquito bites. Since the virus can also spread through sex, you can use condoms or not have sex to protect yourself and your partner.
Testing and diagnosis
See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes in an area where Zika virus spreads.
Treatment
No medicines are available to treat Zika. Antibiotics do not treat viruses. Rest, fluids, and over-the-counter pain medications may relieve some symptoms.
Learn more: Treatment of Zika