About Zika

Key points

  • Zika virus is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
  • Zika virus can spread through sex or to a fetus during pregnancy.
  • Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
  • There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus disease (Zika).
Person applying insect repellent to their arm.

Overview

Image of an Aedes aegypti mosquito sitting on white skin. The mosquito is full of blood.
Aedes aegypti is the primary mosquito that spreads Zika virus.

Zika virus is most commonly spread to people by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. It can also be spread through sex from a person who is infected with Zika virus to their sexual partner(s).

Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.

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.

Zika virus typically occurs in tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia, and Western Pacific.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika.

Travelers can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. When traveling to countries with Zika virus:

  • Use EPA-registered insect repellent.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants.
  • Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
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Content Source:
National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)