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Zika Virus

Zika is a virus that is spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be be passed from a pregnant person to their baby and can spread through sex. Most people who get infected do not get sick. Those who do get sick usually experience mild symptoms, including fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.

If a person is infected with Zika while pregnant, the child may be born with birth defects, including a smaller head size (microcephaly). In the U.S., about 5% of babies born to people who were infected with Zika while pregnant had Zika-associated birth defects. There is no vaccine or treatment for Zika, but acetaminophen and other medicines can help relieve symptoms.

Zika in NYC

Zika has not been found in any mosquitoes in New York City. In 2016 an outbreak of Zika virus occurred in Latin America and the Caribbean, resulting in 987 cases of Zika among New Yorkers, all linked to travel to a Zika-affected area. Since 2016, the number of cases globally has declined significantly. There have been no reported cases among New Yorkers since 2021.

Mosquitoes in NYC carry other diseases, such as West Nile virus. Learn more about how you can help stop the spread of mosquito-borne viruses in and around your home.

Testing

Zika virus testing is only recommended for pregnant people who have Zika symptoms and were recently in an area with current or past Zika transmission, or had sex with someone who was.

Sometimes a test may show a positive result even if the person is not infected with Zika. This can happen especially in people with dengue infection. Your healthcare provider can help interpret the test results and do additional testing, as necessary.

For help finding a provider who can test you for Zika, call 311.

Travel to a Zika-Affected Area

If you plan to travel to a Zika-affected area:

Additional Resources

More Information