Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness that can cause fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes .
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected Aedes aegypti mosquito.
Zika virus can be spread through sexual contact or blood transfusion.
Zika virus can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect called microcephaly and other serious Zika-related brain defects.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus are:
- fever
- rash
- joint pain
- red eyes.
Zika virus can also cause severe Zika-related brain defects in fetuses. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause a birth defect called microcephaly.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy can also cause other Zika-related brain defects, such as damage to the central nervous system, brainstem and cerebellum.
Zika virus infection can also cause miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death.
There is no specific vaccine or treatment for Zika virus.
The best way to prevent Zika virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites