The spread of Zika virus has been concerning,
and scary for some, especially pregnant women.
At CDC, we're working around the clock to protect your health
and learn more about Zika.
Since Zika was first reported in Brazil in May 2015,
it has spread across many countries and territories
in the Western Hemisphere,
including in small areas of Florida and Texas.
Zika mainly spreads to people through the bite
of an infected Aedes aegypti or Aedes albopictus mosquito.
The mosquitoes that spread Zika can be found in many areas
of the continental United States,
primarily in the Southeast and Gulf Coast regions.
These mosquitoes live indoors and outdoors,
and typically lay eggs near standing water,
in things like buckets or flower pots.
Mosquitoes become infected
when they bite a person already infected with the virus.
Infected mosquitoes then spread the virus
when they bite other people.
Most people infected with Zika virus won't get sick.
For those who do have symptoms,
Zika usually causes mild illness.
Symptoms include: fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes
and typically last a few days to a week.
However, the virus can linger in semen for months and a person
with Zika can pass the virus to his or her partner through sex.
A pregnant woman can also pass the virus
to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
If that happens, the results can be devastating.
Zika can cause severe fetal brain defects,
including microcephaly, a condition that is a sign
of incomplete brain development.
There's a lot we still don't know about the effects
of Zika on pregnancies.
Some evidence suggests infants exposed
to Zika during pregnancy , who appear healthy at birth ,
could develop health problems later in life.
But the range of possible health problems is still unknown.
This is why protecting pregnant women is our top priority.
The best way to avoid getting Zika is to protect yourself
from mosquito bites. Wear long-sleeved shirts
and long pants.
Stay and sleep in places with air conditioning
or that have screened windows and doors
that keep mosquitoes outside.
Use EPA-registered insect repellents with DEET, picaridin,
IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus,
para menthane diol, or 2 undecanone.
These repellents are safe for pregnant
and breastfeeding women.
Wear clothing and gear with permethrin
or buy permethrin treated items.
Once a week, remove standing water from inside
and outside your home.
At this time, there is no vaccine or treatment for Zika.
CDC is working on improving ways to test for Zika,
and is helping local areas
and states control mosquito populations.
Pregnant women should not travel to areas with Zika.
If you're pregnant and your partner lives in or traveled
to an area with Zika, use a condom
or don't have sex during the pregnancy.
All pregnant women should be assessed
for possible Zika virus exposure
and symptoms during each prenatal visit.
The best way to prevent spreading Zika is
to prevent mosquitoes at home from getting infected,
who can then spread Zika to other people.
So travelers returning to the US from an area with Zika,
even if they don't feel sick, should take steps
to prevent mosquito bites for 3 weeks after their return.
They should also use condoms or not have sex
to protect their partners.
We are learning more about Zika every day.
For the latest information,
visit the CDC website at CDC dot gov.