infections
Zika Virus Infection
Symptoms of Zika Virus Infection
Most people who become infected with the Zika virus have no symptoms, and many do not know they are infected. If symptoms occur, they are usually mild. Infections severe enough to require hospitalization are uncommon. Death due to Zika virus infection is rare. Most people with Zika virus infection do not have symptoms, and many do not know they are infected. Symptoms of Zika virus infection include fever, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), joint and muscle aches, pain behind the eyes, headache, and a red, bumpy rash. Symptoms last 4 to 7 days. Rarely, Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) develops after a Zika virus infection. Guillain-Barré syndrome is a nerve disorder that causes muscle weakness and a pins-and-needles sensation or loss of sensation that usually lasts for a limited time. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause microcephaly or other problems in the baby. Microcephaly refers to an abnormally small head. The head is small because the brain does not develop normally and is small. Babies infected before birth can have many problems besides microcephaly, sometimes including: Seizures in Children None Delays in development (for example, children may have problems with speech and may sit, stand, and walk later than expected) Intellectual disability Problems with movement and balance Feeding problems, such as difficulty swallowing Hearing loss Vision problem In the United States, several cases of microcephaly have been linked to the Zika virus. The mothers of these babies were probably infected when they traveled to a country where Zika virus infection is common. Cases are being monitored by the CDC and WHO (seeCDC: Zika cases in the United States;WHO: Countries and territories with current or previous Zika virus transmission). Zika virus infection can cause other abnormalities in the brain and in the eyes (including Congenital Cataract ). Infected babies may have excess skin on the scalp and, rarely, joints with a limited range of motion (such as 