Understanding Zika Virus
What You Need to Know About Zika
Zika is a mosquito-borne virus that can cause serious birth defects. While the 2015-2016 outbreak has faded from headlines, the threat remains.
How It Spreads
Zika Transmission
Understanding how Zika spreads is the first step to protecting yourself and your loved ones.
Mosquito Bite
The primary way Zika spreads is through bites from infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes. These mosquitoes bite during the day.
Sexual Transmission
Zika can be passed through sex, even from someone who doesn't have symptoms. This is especially important for couples trying to conceive.
Mother to Fetus
A pregnant person can pass Zika to their fetus during pregnancy. This can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly.
Blood Transfusion
Though rare, Zika can spread through blood transfusions. Blood banks in affected areas screen donations for Zika.
Vulnerable Groups
Who's Most At Risk?
While anyone can get Zika, certain groups face greater risks or more severe consequences.
Pregnant People
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects including microcephaly.
Planning Pregnancy
Those trying to conceive should wait after potential Zika exposure before attempting pregnancy.
Partners
Partners of pregnant people need to take precautions as Zika can be transmitted sexually.
Travelers
Anyone traveling to areas with active Zika transmission should take protective measures.
Outdoor Workers
People who work outdoors in endemic areas face increased mosquito exposure.
Healthcare Workers
Those caring for Zika patients should follow proper infection control practices.
Signs & Impact
Symptoms & Effects
Most People (80%)
Have no symptoms at all. This makes Zika especially dangerous because infected people can unknowingly spread the virus.
Mild Symptoms (20%)
- Fever
- Rash
- Joint pain
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Muscle pain and headache
Serious Effects
Microcephaly & Birth Defects
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly (abnormally small head) and other severe brain defects in babies. This is the most devastating impact of Zika.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome
In rare cases, Zika can trigger Guillain-Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disorder affecting the nervous system that can cause temporary paralysis.
Historical Context
The 2015-2016 Outbreak
The Zika epidemic that swept through the Americas was one of the most significant public health emergencies of the decade.
2015
Brazil Epicenter
Zika was first confirmed in Brazil in May 2015. By the end of the year, doctors began noticing a dramatic increase in babies born with microcephaly.
February 2016
WHO Emergency Declaration
The World Health Organization declared Zika a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) - the highest level of alarm.
2015-2016
Global Spread
Zika spread to over 84 countries and territories. More than 2,600 babies were born with microcephaly in Brazil alone.
2016
Guillain-Barre Spike
Multiple countries reported significant increases in Guillain-Barre syndrome cases linked to Zika infection.
Current Status
Zika Today
While Zika has faded from the headlines, it hasn't gone away. The threat remains real for millions of people.
89
Countries with evidence of mosquito-borne Zika transmission
0
Approved vaccines available to prevent Zika
Ongoing Transmission
Zika continues to circulate in tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Mosquitoes Still Active
The Aedes mosquitoes that carry Zika are widespread and expanding their range due to climate change.
Research Continues
Scientists are working on vaccines and treatments, but none have been approved yet.
Climate Change Impact
Warming temperatures are expanding the range of Aedes mosquitoes to new regions.
Protect Yourself
Prevention
Since there's no vaccine, prevention is your best defense against Zika. Here's what you can do.
Mosquito Protection
- Use EPA-registered insect repellent
- Wear long sleeves and pants
- Use window screens and bed nets
- Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed
Sexual Transmission
- Use condoms or abstain from sex
- Wait before trying to conceive after travel
- Both partners should take precautions
Travel Precautions
- Check Zika risk before traveling
- Pregnant people should avoid Zika areas
- Continue prevention for 3 weeks after return
Pregnancy Planning
- Women: wait 2 months after symptoms
- Men: wait 3 months after symptoms
- Consult your healthcare provider
Affected Regions
Where Zika Exists
Zika is found in tropical and subtropical regions where Aedes mosquitoes are present.
Major affected areas include parts of Central and South America, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and parts of Africa.
View Interactive Risk Map