Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family, genus Flavivirus. Zika virus is transmitted to humans primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, but perinatal, in utero, sexual and possible transfusion transmission events have also been reported. Most people infected with Zika virus are asymptomatic. Characteristic clinical findings are acute onset of fever with maculopapular rash that is usually itchy, arthralgia, or conjunctivitis. Other commonly reported symptoms include myalgia and headache. Clinical illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week. Severe disease requiring hospitalization is uncommon and case fatality is low. However, there have been cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome. Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly and possibly other congenital neurologic abnormalities. Please see information below for up-to-date recommendations for testing and management of infants and women of childbearing age, pregnant women, and their partners.

State Specific Information