Zika virus is spread to people through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with birth defects and poor pregnancy outcomes.
In response, CDC has issued travel notices for people traveling to regions and certain countries where Zika virus transmission is ongoing.
Countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission
- Areas with Zika
- Zika virus will continue to spread and it will be difficult to determine how the virus will spread over time.
What's New
- Zika Virus Disease Q & A
- Interim Guidelines for the Evaluation and Testing of Infants with Possible Congenital Zika Virus Infection – United States, 2016
- Questions and Answers for Pediatric Healthcare Providers: Infants and Zika Virus Infection
- Interim Guidelines for Pregnant Women During a Zika Virus Outbreak
- CDC Health Alert Network advisory for Zika virus
- Travelers’ Health: Practice enhanced precautions
- Zika and pregnancy
- Surveillance and Control of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus in the United States
Get Email Updates
To receive email updates about this page, enter your email address:
- Page last reviewed: June 1, 2015
- Page last updated: February 1, 2016
- Content source: