INFORMATION FOR WOMEN WHO HAVE ZIKA VIRUS WHILE PREGNANT OR BREASTFEEDING

What is Zika virus?

Zika is a virus that can cause disease in humans and is spread mostly through bites from Aedes mosquitos, the same group of mosquitos that also carries the yellow fever, chikungunya, and dengue viruses. Although mosquito bites account for most known Zika infections, reports have also been accumulating of transmission of Zika virus through sexual contact and through transfusion of blood products. Most people infected with Zika never even notice it, because they do not get sick. For those who do get sick (about 20 percent of those who get infected), the most common symptom is a rash that usually itches. Many people also experience conjunctivitis (red eyes) -- sometimes with eye pain, sometimes with a discharge -- and swollen lymph nodes behind the ears. Fever, headache, and pain in the joints and muscles also are fairly common, but the rash is by far the most common symptom for those who get any symptoms at all. The rash and other symptoms develop about 3-15 days after the person is infected and symptoms usually last from 4 to 7 days.