PHYSICAL
SYMPTOMS
Physical symptoms include fever,
rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes,
and muscle pain.
Symptoms are usually mild lasting
for several days to a week. People
don't realize they have it so they
live with it.
The Zika virus has been known
during pregnancy to cause a
microcephaly and other congenital
abnormalities in the developing
fetus and newborn. Zika infection in
pregnancy also results in pregnancy
complications such as fetal loss,
stillbirth, and preterm birth.
PREVENTION
STRATEGIES
The best way to prevent Zika is to
protect yourself from mosquito
bites.
SMALL BITE,
BIG THREAT
Plan for travel and protect yourself
during sex
Fight the
bite, stop
Insect repellents are proven safe
and effective, even for pregnant
and breastfeeding women.
Zika
Sources:
“Zika Virus.” Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention, Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, 20 Nov. 2019,
www.cdc.gov/zika/.
“Zika Virus.” World Health Organization,
World Health Organization,
Desiree Mendoza, Keeble, B
www.who.int/news-room/fact- day, 11/6/20
sheets/detail/zika-virus.
 RISK GROUPS
GEOGRAPHIC
CONSIDERATIONS
Risk Groups: Anyone can get this
disease; however, there is an
increased risk for pregnant
women and their babies.
Geographic Considerations:
Zika continues to be a problem in
many parts of the world. There is
no vaccine to prevent infection.
Zika is spread mostly by the bite
of an infected Aedes species
mosquito, avoid if pregnant
DIAGNOSIS AND
TREATMENT
Diagnosis:
Infection with Zika virus may be
suspected based on symptoms of
persons living in or visiting areas with
Zika virus transmission and/or Aedes
mosquito vectors. A diagnosis of Zika
virus infection can only be confirmed
by laboratory tests of blood or other
body fluids, such as urine or semen.
Treatment:
There is no treatment available for
Zika virus infection or its associated
diseases. Symptoms of Zika virus
infection are usually mild. If symptoms
worsen, they should seek medical care
and advice.
PATHOGEN
The Pathogen:
Zika virus disease is caused by a
virus from the Flavivirus genus,
Flaviviridae family, from the
Spondweni group. It was first
isolated in 1947 from a monkey in
the Zika forest, Uganda, then in
mosquitoes (Aedes africanus) in the
same forest in 1948, and in a
human in Nigeria in 1952.
Transmission:
Zika virus is primarily transmitted
by the bite of an infected mosquito
from the Aedes genus. Zika virus is
also transmitted from mother to
fetus during pregnancy, through
sexual contact, transfusion of blood
and blood products, and organ
transplantation.