About Zika

Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will only have mild ones. However, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a serious birth defect called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

Also, a man with Zika can pass it to sex partners. The CDC encourages people who have traveled or live in places with Zika to protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites and sexual transmission of Zika.

To diagnose Zika, your doctor will ask you about recent travel and symptoms you may have, and collect blood or urine to test for Zika or similar viruses.