How do Mosquitoes Transmit Zika Virus?

Zika Virus and Mosquito Facts

Zika is a virus that spreads to humans through Aedes mosquito bites. Prior to 2015, known Zika cases were limited parts of Africa and Asia, but more than one million cases have been reported in Brazil since 2015 and the World Health Organization (WHO) has noted the virus is spreading to many countries.

How is Zika Transmitted?

Zika virus is transmitted to humans through a bite from infected Aedes-species mosquitoes (such as the Asian tiger mosquito). Aedes mosquitoes are also known to spread yellow and dengue fevers and chikungunya viruses.

According to the CDC, the Zika virus can be transmitted in four ways:

Through mosquito bites Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.
From mother to child A pregnant woman, who is infected with Zika virus, can pass it to her fetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth. To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding.
Through sexual intimacy Zika can be passed from a person who has Zika, to another person, via sexual relations -- even if the infected person shows no symptoms. Studies are underway to find out how long Zika remains in the bodily fluids of infected people.
Through blood transfusion As of February 1, 2016, there have been no confirmed blood transfusion transmission cases in the United States.

Zika Virus Symptoms

In most cases, symptoms associated with Zika are mild, and cases requiring hospitalization are uncommon.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), common Zika symptoms include:

Headache
Fever
Skin rash
Conjunctivitis
Joint and muscle pain

How do Mosquitoes Transmit Zika Virus?

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