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Zika

Zika virus (ZIKV) is an infectious disease that can cause serious symptoms in adults and pregnant women, including birth defects.1

Areas of risk

map chikungunya

Zika can be found in the Americas, parts of Africa, and Asia2

In 2015 and 2016, large Zika outbreaks caused widespread transmission in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.3

Key facts

Zika virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in a Rhesus macaque monkey.1

Infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly in the baby, a birth defect that signifies incomplete brain development.

Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika outbreaks.1

prevention guidance

Zika is also associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome, a condition where the immune system attacks the nerves.1

Monitoring Zika

There are ongoing investigations into the effects of Zika on pregnancy outcomes and neurological effects.1

Zika at a glance

Primary vector4,5

Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus

Biting habits:

  • Primarily daytime
  • Can also bite at night

Symptoms6

Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms lasting for several days to a week.

Most common:

  • Fever
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Red eyes
  • Muscle pain

Available treatment4

None

Prevention4

Protective measures
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References: 1. Zika Virus. World Health Organization. Updated December 8, 2022. Accessed March 13, 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/zika-virus 2. Areas with risk of Zika. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated July 25, 2022. Accessed March 13, 2023. https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/files/zika-areas-of-risk.pdf 3. Zika cases in the United States. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated January 13, 2023. Accessed March 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/reporting/index.html 4. Prevention and transmission. Zika virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated September 20, 2021. Accessed March 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/prevention/index.html 5. Mosquito bite prevention (United States). Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. October 13, 2016. Accessed March 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/chikungunya/pdfs/fs_mosquito_bite_prevention_us.pdf 6. Overview. Zika virus. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Updated October 7, 2019. Accessed March 13, 2023. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/overview.html