New Year update about Zika virus The Zika virus (ZIKV) is a mosquito-borne virus originally discovered in the Zika Forest area in Uganda in 1947. It was not considered a relevant pathogen for humans until the outbreaks of fever illness that occurred in the Pacific area in 2007, and later in 2013-14. However, it was its arrival and dramatic spread in Brazil and other Latin American and Caribbean countries that alarmed public health authorities and the scientific community.
Zika virus Overview Zika virus disease is caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected mosquito (
Aedes aegypti and
Aedes albopictus). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting up to a week, and many people do not have symptoms or will have only mild symptoms.
Testing for Zika Diagnosis and testing for Zika virus. To diagnose Zika, a doctor or other healthcare provider will ask about any recent travel and any signs and symptoms. A blood or urine test can confirm a Zika infection.
Zika Symptoms Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are: Fever, Rash, Joint pain, Conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other symptoms include: Muscle pain, Headache.
Protect yourself during sex How Zika is spread through sex? Zika can be passed through sex from a person with Zika to his or her partners. Sex includes vaginal, anal, and oral sex and the sharing of sex toys.
Zika & Sexual Transmission Basics of Zika Virus and Sex transmission. Zika can be passed through sex from a person who has Zika to his or her sex partners. Sex includes vaginal, anal, oral sex, and the sharing of sex toys.