Here are some facts you may need to know about the Zika virus.
1. What is Zika virus?
Zika virus is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito.
In humans, the virus causes a mild illness known as Zika fever, Zika, or Zika disease.
2. What are the common symptoms?
About 1 in 5 people infected with the virus will get sick, and the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.
The most common symptoms include mild headaches, fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes. Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.
3. How is Zika transmitted?
Aedes mosquitoes become infected when they bite a person already infected with the virus.
Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.
It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
4. Is there a vaccine, cure or treatment?
As of now, no vaccine, preventative drug, or specific medicine is available.
But work is underway towards developing a vaccine for the Zika virus.
Scientists say it may take several years before the vaccine could be rolled out. The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.
People affected with the virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, medical care and advice should be sought immediately.
5. What does Zika have to do with microcephaly?
Microcephaly refers to abnormally smaller heads for new born babies. It may lead to developmental delays and often comes with other health conditions, like sight and congenital heart diseases.
Health authorities found that many Brazilian women who had babies with microcephaly had been infected with the Zika virus in the early months of their pregnancies.
But it's still unknown whether there is direct link between Zika and these outcomes.