Zika Virus: How It Spreads, Why It Matters in Pregnancy, and How to Protect Yourself

Zika is a disease caused by a virus spread mainly by infected mosquitoes. For most people it is mild — but infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and is linked to other pregnancy problems.

Where it is found

Zika virus is typically found in tropical and subtropical parts of Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia and the Western Pacific — see CDC's map of areas at risk.

How it spreads

• through the bite of an infected mosquito — the main route;
• through sex;
• from mother to baby during pregnancy;
• through infected blood or tissues.

Symptoms

Many people have no symptoms or only mild ones. The most common are fever, rash, headache, joint and muscle pain and red eyes. More: Zika symptoms and complications.

Prevention

There is no vaccine and no medicine to prevent Zika.

• Prevent mosquito bites.
• Because Zika spreads through sex, use condoms or don't have sex to protect yourself and your partner.

More: preventing Zika.

Testing and treatment

• See a health care provider if you get symptoms after being exposed to mosquitoes where Zika spreads — see testing for Zika.
• No medicine treats Zika, and antibiotics don't work against viruses. Rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers may ease symptoms.

Sources

Based on "About Zika Virus," Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; a work of the United States government in the public domain.