Frequently Asked Questions

• Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
  • CDC Zika transmission information
• Zika virus can be passed from a mother to her baby during pregnancy or birth.
• CDC reports Zika virus can be transmitted through infected blood or sexual contact.
• To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika through breastfeeding. Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even if they have traveled to an area where Zika virus is being transmitted.

Symptoms of Zika are generally mild and include fever, rash, joint pain and redness of the eyes. Symptoms typically begin two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Many people who get Zika have no symptoms at all. There is no vaccine to prevent infection or medicine to treat Zika. The recommended treatment is to hydrate, rest, and take acetaminophen to alleviate symptoms.

Zika infection is a very serious concern for pregnant women because of its link with a birth defect in newborns called microcephaly, an abnormally small brain and skull, and other poor pregnancy outcomes. Zika is also linked to Guillan-Barré Syndrome, a problem marked by muscle weakness and sometimes paralysis.

Protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites when traveling to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission. Visit the CDC Travelers' Health site for updated information and travel alerts. View CDC Zika prevention information.

No vaccine or medication is currently available to treat the virus. The best way to prevent the virus is to protect against mosquito bites. Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to the areas where Zika is spreading. Pregnant women, or those trying to become pregnant, who do travel to one of these areas should talk to their doctor or other healthcare provider first and strictly follow the steps below during the trip:

• Apply EPA-registered insect repellants (homemade repellants may not offer protection)
• Wear long sleeve shirts, pants, and closed-toed shoes
• Use bed nets
• Avoid wearing perfume
• Wear Permethrin-treated clothing

The Zika Virus can be spread from a man to his sex partners. The correct use of condoms can prevent transmission. Condoms should be used every time you have sex if you or your partner are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.