Because Zika virus is
in the news a lot, you might worry about how it could affect you or your family. But
a Zika infection usually won't cause problems in children and babies. The virus
is of most concern for pregnant women and women who may become pregnant.
What Is Zika Virus?
Zika is a virus that a person can catch if bitten by an infected mosquito. First
seen in Africa about 70 years ago, the virus recently has spread throughout the world,
particularly in tropical areas where certain types of mosquitoes live.
The main problem with Zika is its effect on unborn
babies. In pregnant women, the virus can cause miscarriages,
stillborn babies, or babies with birth defects. One serious birth defect caused by
Zika is microcephaly. In microcephaly (the medical
word for small head), a baby's brain and skull don't grow properly, so the baby will
have severe developmental and health problems.
Pregnant women — and
women who might become pregnant — shouldn't travel to places with Zika
outbreaks, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Healthy children who get a Zika infection will not develop microcephaly. Only babies
infected from Zika before they're born are at risk for problems
with brain development.
Often, Zika causes no symptoms. When it
does, symptoms are mild and can include fever, rash, joint pain, and pinkeye.
How It Spreads
The most common way a person can get Zika is from being bitten by an Aedes
aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito that's infected with the virus.
These mosquitoes live in places that have tropical or mild climates.
The virus also can spread through unprotected sex. Due to concerns that it
also can be passed through blood transfusions or organ transplants, the U.S. Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) now recommends screening all blood donors in the United
States for Zika virus.
Because the Zika virus can pass from an infected mom-to-be to her unborn baby,
it's important to take precautions if you're pregnant or think you might become pregnant.
If you live in an area with Zika outbreaks, do your best to prevent mosquito bites,
use condoms to prevent getting Zika through sex, and talk to your doctor.
No Zika virus infections have been linked to breastfeeding. The CDC encourages
mothers to keep breastfeeding, even if they've been infected with Zika. But as a precaution,
breastfeeding women should still avoid possible exposure to the virus.
Zika virus isn't as contagious as some other viruses. It doesn't spread from person
to person through sneezes and coughs, as colds and the flu do. People can't get Zika
from casual contact, like holding hands.
Where It Is
The CDC has confirmed Zika outbreaks in:
- The Caribbean
- Mexico
- Central America
- South America
- Pacific Islands
- Africa
- Asia
Zika-spreading mosquitoes also have been found
in the United States (Florida and Puerto Rico), and some people in the United States
have Zika infections. Check the CDC's website for
the latest news.