The Zika virus, a mosquito-borne illness linked to several serious birth defects, has prompted the both the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization to issue several travel-related health warnings. The virus is spread primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, though new research has shown the condition can also be sexually transmitted. For most, Zika is a relatively harmless condition. In a minority of cases, however, the virus has caused microcephaly and other devastating neurological defects in unborn babies. Check back with UPMC HealthBeat to learn more about: Zika virus symptoms Zika transmission Birth defects associated with Zika Zika guidelines for pregnant women News and updates on the virus
