Know about 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 bite during the day and 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.

Zika primarily spreads through infected mosquito bites. You can also get Zika through sex. Many areas in the United States have the type of mosquitoes that can spread Zika virus. These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can also be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners, even if the person doesn’t have symptoms.

If you are pregnant and must travel to an area with risk of Zika, take steps to protect yourself and your pregnancy. Use an EPA-registered insect repellent. It works and is safe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Stay in places with air conditioning or window and door screens. Remove standing water around your home.

Zika is linked to birth defects. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly that is a sign of incomplete brain development. Doctors have also found other problems in pregnancies and among fetuses and infants infected with Zika before birth. If you are pregnant and have a partner who lives in or has traveled to an area with a Zika outbreak (as indicated by red areas on the Zika map) or with current or past spread of Zika (as indicated by purple areas on the Zika map), use condoms or do not have sex during your pregnancy. To be effective, condoms should be used from start to finish, every time during vaginal, anal, and oral sex.

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