Video: Your Zika Questions Answered During Our Q&A

The chief medical officer of Magee-Womens Hospital of UPMC  fielded patient questions about the international Zika virus epidemic.

Richard Beigi, MD, vice president of medical affairs for Magee-Womens, spoke to patients about the virus during a live Facebook interview. Watch the q-and-a session to learn more about Zika-related birth defects, travel precautions, and risk factors.

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne illness linked to several serious birth defects. Global health officials have issued numerous travel-related health warnings connected to Zika. The virus, spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, poses a threat to both pregnant women and their sexual partners.

For more, find Zika virus facts, news, and updates on UPMC HealthBeat.