This page is for healthcare providers, clinicians and laboratory staff. For general information about Zika, see our Zika Virus page.
Zika virus infection during pregnancy is linked to birth defects.
Pregnant patients should be counseled abut the risks of Zika virus infection during pregnancy and how to avoid infection. Zika transmission has been reported in many countries. Check CDC's Zika Travel Information page for updates on areas where Zika virus transmission may be occurring.
Video: Five Tips for Healthcare Providers to Help Babies Exposed to Zika (CDC)
Arboviral Disease Outbreaks
- Since the Zika outbreaks in 2016, reported cases of Zika have declined worldwide
- As of 2019, dengue virus is causing outbreaks in many parts of the world.
Many countries in the Americas have reported outbreaks of arboviral diseases that can cause febrile illness with rash, myalgia, or arthralgia. Agents include dengue, chikungunya, and Zika viruses. As a result, laboratory testing has become even more important to confirm the etiology of a suspect case.
Serologic cross-reactivity is strong among Zika, dengue, and other flaviviruses. Because of the similar geographic distribution and clinical presentation of Zika, dengue, and chikungunya virus infections, patients with symptoms consistent with Zika virus disease should also be evaluated for the other two agents if travel history is consistent with possible exposure.