Zika is a virus.
Zika is also known as the Zika Virus.
The Zika Virus is a disease caused by Zika virus that's spread through mosquito bites.
In most cases, there are no symptoms with the Zika Virus.
However in a few cases, Zika can trigger paralysis (Guillain-Barré Syndrome).
In pregnant women, the Zika virus may cause subsequent birth defects.
When present, symptoms are mild and last less than a week. They include fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
There's no vaccine or specific treatment for the Zika Virus.
Instead the focus is on relieving symptoms and includes rest, rehydration, and acetaminophen for fever and pain.
Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen should be avoided.
The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, headache, joint pain, red eyes, and muscle pain.
Zika is spread mostly by the bite of an infected mosquito.
Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites.
Zika can cause birth defects and is linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Epidemic and pandemic are primarily different in terms of spread of contagious, infectious, or viral illness.
An epidemic is limited to one specific region while a pandemic has a worldwide spread. Zika virus is an epidemic which was reported in Brazil in Feb., 2016.
Once someone has been infected with Zika, it's very likely they'll be protected from future infections.
There is no evidence that past Zika infection poses an increased risk of birth defects in future pregnancies.