Zika Virus

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CDC’s Emergency Operations Center is activated at Level 2 to respond to Zika. Zika is currently a risk in many countries and territories. Local transmission has also been reported in the United States. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.

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Zika 101

A female Aedes aegypti mosquito takes flight as she leaves her host’s skin surface. Photo: James Gathany
Mosquito prevention starts with you.
This is a transmission electron micrograph (TEM) of Zika virus, which is a member of the family Flaviviridae. Virus particles are 40 nm in diameter, with an outer envelope, and an inner dense core.
A comparison of a typical head size for a baby and a baby with microcephaly.
A pair of Aedes albopictus mosquitoes in engage in a mating ritual while the female feeds on a blood meal. Photo: James Gathany
A female Aedes aegypti mosquito in the process of acquiring a blood meal from her human host. Photo: James Gathany
A blood-engorged female Aedes albopictus mosquito feeding on a human host. Photo: James Gathany
When using repellent sprays, do not spray directly on your face - spray on your hands and then apply to your face.
Reapply insect repellent according to label instructions when outdoors for long periods of time.
Most insect repellents can be used on children. However, never apply repellent to children younger than 2 months old (according to the American Academy of Pediatrics). Apply sparingly around ears, never on eyes or mouth.
What we know and what we don't know.
Zika virus: what is an imported case
What is local transmission?
Protect yourself and others from mosquito bites during the first week of illness.
Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers
Don’t let mosquitoes ruin your trip
If you get sick, see a doctor. Tell the doctor where you traveled.
PREGNANT? Read this before you travel
Zika and Pregnancy: Healthcare providers should ask pregnant patients about recent travel history. Know the symptoms of Zika.
Zika and Pregnancy: Zika is linked to microcephaly, a serious birth defect that affects a baby's brain. Get the facts.
Zika and Pregnancy: Pregnant woman should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Learn more.
Zika and Pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with Zika. Learn more.
Zika and Pregnancy: Zika may spread through mosquito bites to some states this spring and summer. Pregnant women should take steps to prevent mosquito bites. Learn more.

Contact Information

CDC Media Relations
(404) 639-3286
media@cdc.gov

Vital Signs 2017: Zika and Pregnancy
Zika Video Resources
Zika Response & Success Stories

Spokespersons

Henry Walke, MD, MPH

Biography

Henry Walke, MD, PhD – Chief, Bacterial Special Pathogens Branch, National Center for Emerging and Zoonotic Infectious Diseases (NCEZID)

Lyle R. Petersen, MD, MPH

Biography

“We are working with the Ministry of Health in Brazil and other international public health partners to investigate an unexpected increase in the number of babies being born with microcephaly to mothers who were infected with Zika virus during their pregnancy.”

Lyle R. Petersen, MD, MPH – Director, Division of Vector-Borne Diseases, NCEZID

Margaret (Peggy) Honein, PhD, MPH

Biography

“We are working to understand the possible link between Zika virus infection during pregnancy and microcephaly. We urgently need to understand the magnitude of the potential risk, and what factors might affect that risk such as when the infection occurs during pregnancy.”

Margaret (Peggy) Honein, PhD, MPH – Co-Team Lead, Pregnancy and Birth Defects Team, 2016 CDC Zika Virus Response Team