There is no current local transmission of Zika virus in the continental U.S. The last locally transmitted cases occurred in Florida and Texas in 2016-17.
Zika virus most often spreads through mosquito bites. A pregnant person infected with Zika can pass the virus to their fetus during pregnancy. In rare cases, Zika has also spread through sexual contact.
Many people infected with Zika have no symptoms or only mild symptoms.
The most common symptoms are:
- Fever
- Rash
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- Muscle pain
Symptoms usually last several days to a week. Most people do not get sick enough to need hospital care, and deaths are very rare. Once infected, a person is likely protected from future infections.
Zika illness is generally mild, and severe disease is uncommon.
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly, a serious birth defect affecting brain development. Other possible effects include developmental, vision, hearing, and growth problems.
Rarely, Zika may cause Guillain-Barré syndrome, a nervous system disorder.
There is no vaccine for Zika virus. For prevention tips, visit the CDC.
If you have symptoms and have traveled to an area with Zika risk in the past two weeks, contact your healthcare provider. They may test your blood for Zika and other mosquito‐borne illnesses.
There is no specific treatment for Zika virus.