Zika is a disease caused by a virus that is spread through mosquito bites. It is found in Africa, Asia, Central and South America, the Caribbean, Mexico, and American Samoa. Although Zika has been previously found in Florida and Texas, there is no ongoing spread in either state. 

Zika is not currently found locally in Arizona; all cases to date have been travel-related. For a complete list of countries where current Zika spread is occurring, see the list of affected areas.

  1. Transmission
  2. Signs & Symptoms
  3. Treatment
  4. Prevention
  5. Print Resources
Zika is spread primarily through mosquito bites. Zika is spread to people primarily through the bite of infected Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are found in Maricopa County and other parts of Arizona; however, we do not have mosquitoes infected with Zika. In Arizona, Zika infections have been found only in people who were infected while traveling outside the United States. These mosquitoes bite humans all day long so it is important to protect against mosquito bites whenever you are outside.

Zika can be spread in other ways, too. Zika can be spread through sex with a man or woman infected with Zika. Sex includes vaginal, anal, or oral sex, and the sharing of sex toys. Zika can spread through sex even if the person does not have symptoms at the time. Zika can also be spread from a mother to a baby during pregnancy or birth.
Pregnant belly
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