Fast Facts About Zika
Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Most people never know that they have been infected with the virus. It is estimated that four out of five people with Zika virus infections have no symptoms at all. When symptoms do occur, the most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). Even in those who develop symptoms, the illness is usually mild, with symptoms lasting from several days to a week.
Locations Affected
Prior to 2015, Zika virus outbreaks had occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. However, in May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) issued an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. For information on current outbreaks, see from CDC:
Guillain-Barré Syndrome
Since the outbreak in Brazil began, we have seen reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome (a disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system) and birth defects.
Pregnancy
Zika virus can be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her fetus. Scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concluded, after careful review of existing evidence, that Zika virus is a cause of microcephaly, a condition in which a baby’s brain and head is smaller than expected, and other severe fetal brain defects. In the April 13, 2016 published in the New England Journal of Medicine, the CDC authors describe a rigorous weighing of evidence using established scientific criteria.
The finding that Zika virus infection can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects means that a woman who is infected with Zika during pregnancy has an increased risk of having a baby with these health problems. It does not mean, however, that all women who have Zika virus infection during pregnancy will have babies with problems. As has been seen during the current Zika outbreak, some infected women have delivered babies that appear to be healthy. More: Zika and pregnancy, from CDC, and CDC updates guidance for infants born to mothers with possible Zika virus infection during pregnancy (October 19, 2017)
Preventing pregnancy: If you decide that now is not the right time to have a baby, talk to your healthcare provider. View information on the safety and effectiveness of FDA-approved medicines and devices for birth control.
Medical Products
There are no FDA-approved vaccines for Zika virus. Several investigational vaccines are under development, including early human clinical trials.
There are no FDA-approved treatments for Zika virus, nor is the FDA aware of treatments in advanced development for Zika at this time. Also see Zika Virus Treatment Research from NIAID
Source: https://www.fda.gov/emergency-preparedness-and-response/mcm-issues/zika-virus
