Zika Virus

What we know
Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito

(Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These mosquitoes are aggressive
daytime biters. They can also bite at night.
Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection

during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects.
There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.
The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one

neighborhood of Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes. Learn
more.
What we know
No vaccine exists to prevent Zika.
Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites.
Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus bite mostly during the daytime.
Mosquitoes that spread Zika virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex
partners. Condoms (and other barriers to protect against infection) can reduce the chance of
getting Zika from sex.
The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one neighborhood of Miami
where Zika is being spread by mosquitoes. Learn more.
Through mosquito bites

Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species
mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus). These are the same mosquitoes that
spread dengue and chikungunya viruses.
These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets,
bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases. They prefer to bite people, and live indoors and
outdoors near people.
Mosquitoes that spread chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are aggressive daytime
biters, but they can also bite at night.

Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus.
Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
From mother to child

A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy. Zika is a cause of
microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects. We are studying the full range of other
potential health problems that Zika virus infection during pregnancy may cause.
A pregnant woman already infected with Zika virus can pass the virus to her fetus during
the pregnancy or around the time of birth.

To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding. Because
of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where
Zika virus is found.
Through sex
Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her partners. Zika
can be passed through sex, even if the infected person does not have symptoms at the time.
It can be passed from a person with Zika before their symptoms start, while they
have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.

Though not well documented, the virus may also be passed by a person who
carries the virus but never develops symptoms.
Studies are underway to find out how long Zika stays in the semen and vaginal fluids of
people who have Zika, and how long it can be passed to sex partners. We know that Zika
can remain in semen longer than in other body fluids, including vaginal fluids, urine, and
blood.
Through blood transfusion
As of February, 1, 2016, there have not been any confirmed blood transfusion
transmission cases in the United States.
There have been multiple reports of blood transfusion transmission cases in Brazil.
These reports are currently being investigated.
During the French Polynesian outbreak, 2.8% of blood donors tested positive for Zika and
in previous outbreaks, the virus has been found in blood donors.
Through laboratory exposure
Prior to the current outbreak, there were four reports of laboratory acquired Zika virus
infections, although the route of transmission was not clearly established in all cases.
As of June 15, 2016, there has been one reported case of laboratory-acquired Zika virus
disease in the United States.
Risks
Anyone who lives in or travels to an area where Zika virus is found and has not already
been infected with Zika virus can get it from mosquito bites. Once a person has been
infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections.

Zika Virus

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What we know

Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito

Zika can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection

There is no vaccine or medicine for Zika.

The Florida Department of Health has identified an area in one

No vaccine exists to prevent Zika.

Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites.

Through mosquito bites

biters, but they can also bite at night.

From mother to child

the pregnancy or around the time of birth.

have symptoms, and after their symptoms end.

carries the virus but never develops symptoms.

Through blood transfusion

Through laboratory exposure

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