Zika can be transmitted by infected mosquitos to humans. It has been shown to be locally transmitted by mosquitos in portions of southern Florida, and there is a possibility that it might spread to other southern US area where the host mosquito is resident.
There is no vaccine currently commercially available to the public for Zika virus infection. Research for a vaccine is a high public health objective. The major means of prevention currently available are environmental mosquito control, protection against mosquito bites, and sexual abstinence or barrier contraception for women of childbearing age who do not wish to become pregnant.
Once infected, an individual can transmit the infection to their partner through sexual intercourse even though there may be no signs or symptoms to suggest infection. Infection during pregnancy can lead to serious health consequences. Zika virus can be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, and infection during pregnancy has been linked to incomplete brain development, and other severe brain defects. Other problems have been detected in fetuses and infants infected with Zika virus, such as defects of the eye, hearing deficits and impaired growth – read more.