Zika virus infection is caused by Zika virus (ZIKV). It is spread mainly by mosquito bites and less commonly from having sex without a condom. The infection is usually mild, but in pregnancy may cause serious problems in the unborn baby.

Infection is caught from mosquito bites. It is the Aedes species of mosquitoes that can carry ZIKV. These mosquitoes predominantly bite during the day, and can also transmit dengue fever, chikungunya fever and yellow fever.

Rarely ZIKV can be transmitted during sex without a condom.

The first outbreaks of ZIKV occurred in the Pacific islands.

In 2015 to 2016 the largest known outbreak of ZIKV affected the whole of Central and South America, the Caribbean and some parts of North America.

There is no specific treatment for ZIKV infection available.

Most people will get better without any treatment.

Symptoms like headache and fever can be treated at home using over-the-counter medicines such as paracetamol.

Hospital care is only required in people who develop severe symptoms or complications.