Zika Virus

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Last updated 06/11/2026.

Close view of a mosquito related with Zika virus spread sitting on a surface.

Zika is a virus that is spread mostly through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquito (e.g., Asian tiger or yellow fever mosquitos). Zika virus typically occurs in[MJ1] tropic and subtropical areas of Africa, the Americas, Southern Asia, and Western Pacific.

A pregnant person can pass Zika virus to the fetus during pregnancy. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects and other pregnancy problems, such as fetal loss, stillbirth, preterm birth and microcephaly.

On this page:

Prevention
Transmission (Spread)
Symptoms
Diagnosis and Treatment
Resources

Prevention

Prevent Zika by preventing mosquito bites and practicing safer sex with a partner who has recently been to areas with Zika.

Prevent mosquitoes from breeding and biting around your home.

Dump all standing water.
Scrub flowerpots and animal water dishes.
Call your local vector control agency if you notice many mosquitos around your home.

During a trip to an area with Zika:

Use EPA-registered insect repellent. Remember to apply sunscreen first and then insect repellent.
- When you return, continue using insect repellent for three (3) weeks to prevent spreading Zika back home.
Wear long sleeves and long pants, when possible.
Stay and sleep in screened-in or air-conditioned rooms.
Use a bed net, as needed.

If you or your partner have recently been to an area with Zika:

For at least 2-3 months after returning, do not have sex or practice safer sex by using condoms and dental dams.

If you are pregnant, do not go to areas where there is an outbreak of Zika.

Talk to a medical provider before planning travel to any area where Zika is a concern, including Mexico.

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Transmission (Spread)

Four people standing side by side showing the transmission cycle of Zika.

Zika is spread to people in different ways:

Through the bite of an infected mosquito.
Through sex with an infected partner.
From a pregnant person to their developing baby.
More rarely, through infected blood or tissues and in the
laboratory.

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Symptoms

Many people infected with Zika virus will not have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. Zika symptoms usually last for several days to a week. The most common symptoms of Zika include:

Fever
Rash
Headache
Joint pain
Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
Muscle pain

Hospitalization and death from Zika are uncommon.

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Zika testing should be done only for people who have Zika-like symptoms and possible exposure. Your medical provider will ask about recent travel and symptoms. Testing should take place as soon as possible while you still have symptoms.

Zika testing is recommended if you have symptoms and:

Traveled to an area with an active Zika Travel Health Notice.
Are not pregnant and traveled to an area with current or past Zika spread.
You are pregnant and traveled to an area with current or past Zika spread.
You are pregnant and had sex with someone who lives in or recently traveled to an area with Zika spread.

Testing is recommended if your doctor sees Zika-related birth defects on an ultrasound, or if your baby is born with birth defects linked to Zika, and you traveled to or had sex during pregnancy with someone who traveled to an area where Zika has spread.

There are no medicines to treat Zika. However, the symptoms of Zika can be treated. Contact your healthcare provider if you are experiencing Zika symptoms.

Treating symptoms can include:

Getting plenty of rest.
Drinking fluids to prevent dehydration.
Taking an over-the-counter medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to reduce fever and pain.

Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.

If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medicines.

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