Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito (Ae. aegypti and Ae. albopictus
). These mosquitoes bite during the day and night. Zika can be spread:
- Through mosquito bites
- From a pregnant woman to her fetus
- Through sex
Zika infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth defects, including microcephaly and other severe brain defects. Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, muscle pain and headaches. Symptoms can last for several days to a week. People usually don’t get sick enough to go to the hospital, and they very rarely die of Zika. Once a person has been infected with Zika, they are likely to be protected from future infections.
There is currently no vaccine or medicine for Zika. Local mosquito-borne Zika virus transmission has been reported in areas of Florida and Texas. Learn more
Traveling to an area with Zika virus? The Health Department has free travel kits for Lincoln County residents. Learn more.