Zika Virus
Vector Insect(s) - Aedes Mosquito
This virus has now spread to most of South America and the Caribbean, including Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, and some cases from mosquito bites have been reported in Florida and Texas. Experts continue to expect local outbreaks in the U.S., especially in communities along the Gulf Coast. There is no vaccine to prevent the disease, and antibiotics don't work against it, making protection against mosquito bites key. Cases of sexual transmission and mother-to-fetus transmission have also been reported.
Serious Side Effects
Birth defects and developmental delays; in adults, Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Symptoms appear
Two to 14 days after a bite.
Treatments
None for the disease itself, but acetaminophen and fluids can ease symptoms. (However, avoid aspirin or related drugs such as ibuprofen or naproxen until dengue, which can appear similar, is ruled out.)