Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that made headlines in 2015–2016 due to its link to birth defects in babies and neurological complications. While most people who get Zika have mild symptoms or none at all, it can pose serious risks, especially for pregnant women and unborn babies.
Spread primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquitoes that carry dengue and chikungunya, Zika can also be transmitted through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and from mother to child during pregnancy.
How Do You Get It?
The main way Zika spreads is through mosquito bites, but it can also be passed from person to person in other ways.
- Mosquito bites: Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day, carry the virus and pass it on when they feed on humans.
- Sexual transmission: Zika can be passed through unprotected sex, even if the infected person has no symptoms.
- Mother-to-child transmission: Pregnant women who get infected can pass the virus to their baby, which may lead to serious birth defects.
- Blood transfusions: Though rare, Zika has been found in donated blood.
What Happens If You Get Zika?
Most people with Zika don’t feel sick at all. If symptoms do appear, they tend to be mild and last a few days to a week.
- Low-grade fever
- Rash (red, flat spots that spread across the body)
- Joint pain (especially in hands and feet)
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Headache and muscle pain
- General fatigue or weakness
Symptoms usually clear up on their own, and severe illness is rare. However, Zika has been linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare condition that causes muscle weakness and, in extreme cases, paralysis.
Zika and Pregnancy: Why It’s a Big Concern
The biggest danger of Zika is its effect on pregnant women and their babies. The virus can cross the placenta and infect the developing baby, leading to severe birth defects such as:
- Microcephaly: Babies are born with unusually small heads and brain damage.
- Developmental delays: Problems with movement, speech, and learning.
- Vision and hearing problems.
Because of these risks, pregnant women are strongly advised to avoid traveling to Zika-affected areas and take extra precautions to prevent mosquito bites.
How Is Zika Diagnosed?
Since Zika symptoms are similar to dengue and chikungunya, a blood or urine test is needed to confirm infection.
- PCR test: Detects the virus in blood or urine within the first 7–14 days of infection.
- Antibody test: Checks for past infection but may cross-react with other viruses like dengue.
Is There a Treatment for Zika?
There’s no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika, but most people recover fully with supportive care:
- Rest and stay hydrated.
- Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) for fever and pain.
- Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen, especially if dengue is a possibility.
How to Protect Yourself from Zika
Since there’s no cure, prevention is key—especially in areas where Zika is circulating.
- Use mosquito repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
- Wear long sleeves and pants to prevent bites.
- Sleep under mosquito nets and use screens on windows.
- Eliminate standing water around your home (buckets, tires, flowerpots).
- Use condoms or avoid unprotected sex if you or your partner have traveled to a Zika-affected area.
Zika in the World Today
While Zika outbreaks have decreased since the 2016 epidemic, the virus has not disappeared. It still circulates in tropical regions, particularly in Central and South America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Africa.
If you’re traveling to these areas, it’s important to stay informed and take precautions—especially if you’re pregnant or planning to conceive.
Final Thoughts
For most people, Zika is a mild infection, but its potential impact on unborn babies makes it a serious concern. While scientists continue to work on vaccines and treatments, the best defense remains mosquito bite prevention and safe sex practices.
Want to Learn More?
- CDC – Zika Virus – Latest updates on prevention and travel advisories.
- WHO – Zika Virus – Global efforts to control Zika outbreaks.
- Mayo Clinic – Zika Virus – Detailed breakdown of symptoms, risks, and prevention.