Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
There have been reports of a serious birth defect of the brain called microcephaly (a condition in which a baby’s head is smaller than expected when compared to babies of the same sex and age) and other poor pregnancy outcomes in babies of mothers who were infected with Zika virus while pregnant.
- Zika Fact Sheet
The New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene prepared this fact sheet. - Zika Q&A
Frequently asked questions about Zika from the Centers for Disease Control. - Zika and Pregnancy Q&A
Until more is known, and out of an abundance of caution, the CDC recommends special precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant. - Facts About Microcephaly
Learn more about microcephaly, the birth defect of the brain linked to the Zika virus. - Help Control Mosquitoes that Spread Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses
How to protect yourself, your family and your community from mosquitos. - Help Control Mosquitoes that Spread Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika Viruses (Spanish version)
How to protect yourself, your family and your community from mosquitos. - Mosquito Bite Prevention for Travelers
How to protect yourself and your family from mosquitos when traveling. - Mosquito Bite Prevention in the U.S.
Not all mosquitoes are the same. Different mosquitoes spread different viruses and bite at different times of the day.