Zika Virus Disease Cases in America 2025
The landscape of Zika virus disease throughout the United States during 2025 demonstrates a continuation of the dramatic decline that began following the epidemic peaks observed during the 2016 and 2017 outbreak years. According to the most recent surveillance data published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) through the ArboNET reporting system, with data current as of November 18, 2025, the nation has experienced an unprecedented reduction in both locally acquired and travel-associated Zika infections. This mosquito-borne illness, transmitted primarily through infected Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes, once sparked widespread public health concerns across the Americas when it emerged as a significant threat between 2015 and 2017, but now represents a minimal disease burden to mainland United States populations, with surveillance systems documenting historically low case numbers throughout the current calendar year.
The comprehensive epidemiological data collected for 2025 demonstrates that the United States has successfully maintained its classification as a country without current local mosquito-borne transmission of Zika virus in the continental states. Since 2018, epidemiological surveillance has documented zero reports of mosquito-transmitted Zika infections within the continental United States, and this protective trend has continued steadfastly through all reporting periods in 2025. Prior to 2014, very few travel-associated cases of Zika were identified anywhere in the United States. However, during 2015 and 2016, large outbreaks of Zika virus occurred throughout the Americas, resulting in a dramatic increase in travel-associated cases documented in US states, widespread local transmission in Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, and geographically limited local transmission in specific areas of Florida and Texas. Beginning in 2017, the total number of reported Zika cases in the United States started to decline precipitously, marking the beginning of the current low-transmission era.
Key Stats & Facts About Zika Virus Disease in the US 2025
| Fact Category | 2025 Data | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Total US States Cases Reported | 5 cases total | All cases travel-associated, zero locally acquired |
| Locally Acquired US States Cases | 0 cases | No mosquito transmission in continental US since 2018 |
| US Territories Locally Acquired Cases | 1 case | Antibody testing only; may represent past infection |
| US Territories Travel-Associated | 0 cases | No imported cases documented in territories |
| Alaska and Hawaii Historical Transmission | 0 cases ever | Never documented mosquito-borne transmission |
| Percentage Asymptomatic Infections | Approximately 80% | Most infected individuals show no symptoms |
| Congenital Zika Syndrome Risk Overall | 5% of exposed pregnancies | Birth defects in approximately 1 in 20 |
| First Trimester Infection Birth Defect Risk | 8% (2 in 25) | Highest risk period for fetal complications |
| Symptomatic vs Asymptomatic Pregnancy Risk | 5.3% vs 4.2% | Similar defect rates regardless of symptoms |
| Guillain-Barré Syndrome Prevalence | 1.23% of ZIKV infections | Rare but serious neurological complication |
| Global Countries with Zika Evidence | 89 countries and territories | Worldwide distribution persists at low levels |
Data Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), ArboNET Surveillance System, data current as of November 18, 2025; World Health Organization (WHO); Pan American Health Organization (PAHO)
The epidemiological profile of Zika virus disease documented throughout the United States during 2025 represents a remarkable public health achievement in vector-borne disease management, comprehensive surveillance infrastructure, and coordinated outbreak response capabilities. The 5 travel-associated cases reported in US states during 2025 represent individuals who acquired the infection while traveling to geographic regions where Zika virus continues to circulate endemically, primarily concentrated in tropical and subtropical areas of Latin America, the Caribbean, parts of Southeast Asia, and portions of Africa. These imported cases, while few in number, underscore the ongoing importance of robust travel health advisories, personal protective measures against mosquito bites, and sustained public health education for Americans visiting endemic areas or regions with documented historical transmission.
The complete absence of locally acquired mosquito-borne cases in the continental United States—0 cases maintained consecutively for eight years from 2018 through 2025—powerfully demonstrates the sustained effectiveness of integrated vector management programs, sophisticated public health infrastructure, comprehensive disease surveillance systems, and rapid epidemiological response protocols that can swiftly identify and contain any potential outbreak situations. The 1 locally acquired case reported in US territories during 2025 requires careful epidemiological interpretation due to significant diagnostic limitations inherent in current testing methodologies. Since 2019, all locally acquired cases identified in US territories have been diagnosed exclusively using antibody-based serological testing methods, which present substantial technical challenges because Zika virus antibodies can persist in human serum for many years following the initial infection event. This antibody persistence means that serology cannot reliably distinguish between a recent acute infection occurring in 2025 versus detection of antibodies from a historical infection that may have occurred several years ago. Additionally, significant cross-reactivity exists between Zika and dengue virus antibodies due to their shared membership in the Flavivirus family, making definitive diagnosis particularly challenging in geographic areas where both viruses circulate. Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika virus disease cases reported from US territories using molecular diagnostic methods such as reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), which can definitively confirm acute active infection.
Zika Virus Cases by Transmission Type in the US 2025
| Transmission Category | US States | US Territories | Total US Cases | Percentage of Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Locally Acquired (Mosquito-Borne) | 0 | 1* | 1 | 16.7% |
| Travel-Associated Cases | 5 | 0 | 5 | 83.3% |
| Total Confirmed and Probable Cases | 5 | 1 | 6 | 100% |
| Sexual Transmission Documented in 2025 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
| Laboratory Transmission Cases | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0% |
*Note: Since 2019, locally acquired cases in US territories diagnosed by antibody testing may represent past rather than current infections due to antibody persistence and cross-reactivity with dengue virus. Since 2019, there have been no confirmed Zika virus disease cases reported from US territories using molecular diagnostic confirmation methods.
Data Source: CDC ArboNET Surveillance System, National Notifiable Diseases Surveillance System (NNDSS), data current as of November 18, 2025
The transmission pattern analysis for Zika virus disease documented throughout the United States during 2025 reveals the overwhelming predominance of travel-associated infections over any locally acquired mosquito-borne cases. The 5 travel-associated cases identified in US states represent individuals who contracted the virus in endemic geographic regions where Aedes mosquito vectors are actively transmitting the pathogen and subsequently returned to the United States during the viremic period when the virus remains detectable in blood. The CDC reporting classification system categorizes cases acquired through laboratory transmission routes and other non-mosquito exposure mechanisms as travel-associated for standardized surveillance reporting purposes, which provides a deliberately conservative epidemiological estimate that prioritizes comprehensive public health surveillance accuracy and thoroughness. The sustained absence of locally acquired mosquito-borne transmission cases in the continental United States, maintained uninterrupted for eight consecutive years spanning from 2018 through 2025, stands in remarkable contrast to the significant outbreak period of 2016 when 224 locally acquired cases were documented in geographically limited transmission zones within Florida and Texas.
The 1 locally acquired case reported from US territories during 2025 carries substantial diagnostic uncertainty that must be carefully considered when interpreting these surveillance data. The exclusive reliance on antibody-based serological testing methodologies since 2019 means this reported case could represent either a genuinely recent infection that occurred during 2025 or alternatively could reflect detection of persistent antibodies from a historical exposure event that potentially dates back multiple years into the past. The notable absence of molecular diagnostic testing confirmation through RT-PCR methods, which can definitively identify acute active viral replication and confirm current infection status, significantly limits epidemiological capacity to determine with certainty whether authentic active viral transmission occurred within US territories during the 2025 calendar year. Sexual transmission of Zika virus, while scientifically documented as a legitimate transmission route in published medical literature and previous outbreak periods, has not been specifically reported or documented in the 2025 surveillance data collection period. However, the CDC continues to maintain and actively promote specific recommendations that individuals with confirmed or possible Zika exposure should implement precautionary measures to prevent potential sexual transmission: males should consistently use condoms or practice complete abstinence from sexual activity for a minimum period of three months following their last potential exposure to the virus, while females should take equivalent precautions for a minimum period of two months following their last potential exposure event.
Historical Comparison: Zika Virus Cases in the US 2015-2025
| Year | US States Locally Acquired | US States Travel-Associated | US Territories Locally Acquired | US Territories Travel-Associated | Total US Cases | Percentage Change from Prior Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 0 | 62 | 9 | 1 | 72 | Baseline year |
| 2016 | 224 | 4,944 | 36,367 | 145 | 41,680 | +57,789% |
| 2017 | 7 | 445 | 665 | 1 | 1,118 | -97.3% |
| 2018 | 0 | 74 | 147 | 1 | 222 | -80.1% |
| 2019 | 0 | 28 | 73 | 1 | 102 | -54.1% |
| 2020 | 0 | 4 | 57 | 0 | 61 | -40.2% |
| 2021 | 0 | 2 | 32 | 0 | 34 | -44.3% |
| 2022 | 0 | 5 | 17 | 0 | 22 | -35.3% |
| 2023 | 0 | 7 | 30 | 0 | 37 | +68.2% |
| 2024 | 0 | 19 | 9 | 0 | 28 | -24.3% |
| 2025 | 0 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 6 | -78.6% |
Note: 2016 locally acquired cases were reported from Florida and Texas. Since 2019, all locally acquired cases in US territories were diagnosed by antibody testing only, with no molecular confirmation. Data for 2024 are preliminary as of January 14, 2025; data for 2025 are preliminary as of November 18, 2025.
Data Source: CDC ArboNET Surveillance System, data current as of November 18, 2025
The comprehensive historical comparison spanning the full decade from 2015 through 2025 provides crucial epidemiological context for understanding the dramatic trajectory of Zika virus emergence, peak outbreak activity, and subsequent sustained decline within the United States. The 2016 epidemic year represented an unprecedented public health crisis, with total case counts reaching a staggering 41,680 cases, marking an astronomical 57,789% increase compared to the 72 cases documented during 2015. The overwhelming majority of these 2016 cases occurred in US territories, particularly in Puerto Rico where 36,367 locally acquired cases were documented, representing widespread community transmission throughout the island territory. This massive surge in Zika virus cases during 2016 corresponded directly with large-scale outbreaks sweeping across Latin America and the Caribbean region, with Brazil experiencing particularly severe outbreak conditions that first brought international attention to the emerging association between maternal Zika infection during pregnancy and severe congenital birth defects in newborns.
The rapid and sustained epidemiological decline observed from 2017 onward reflects multiple contributing factors including natural epidemic cycling patterns, development of population-level immunity in previously affected areas, enhanced vector control interventions, widespread public health education campaigns promoting mosquito bite prevention, and behavioral modifications among vulnerable populations including pregnant women. The 97.3% decrease in total cases from 2016 to 2017, followed by consistent year-over-year reductions through 2021, demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated public health response efforts. The modest 68.2% increase observed in 2023 compared to 2022 primarily reflected variations in travel patterns as international tourism rebounded following the COVID-19 pandemic period, rather than indicating any resurgence of local transmission within the United States. The 2025 data, showing just 6 total cases and representing a 78.6% decrease from 2024 levels, marks the lowest annual case count recorded since systematic Zika surveillance began, approaching the pre-epidemic baseline levels that existed prior to 2015.
Zika Virus Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations in the US 2025
| Symptom Category | Percentage of Symptomatic Cases | Typical Duration | Severity Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asymptomatic Infection | Approximately 80% | Not applicable | None |
| Fever | Majority of symptomatic cases | Several days to 1 week | Mild to moderate |
| Maculopapular Rash | Majority of symptomatic cases | Several days to 1 week | Mild |
| Arthralgia (Joint Pain) | Majority of symptomatic cases | Several days to 1 week | Mild to moderate |
| Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes) | Common in symptomatic cases | Several days to 1 week | Mild |
| Headache | Common in symptomatic cases | Several days to 1 week | Mild to moderate |
| Muscle Pain (Myalgia) | Common in symptomatic cases | Several days to 1 week | Mild to moderate |
| Hospitalization Required | Uncommon | Variable | Rare severe disease |
| Death from Zika | Very rare | Not applicable | Extremely uncommon |
| Guillain-Barré Syndrome | 1.23% of infections | Weeks to months | Rare but severe |
Data Source: CDC Clinical Signs and Symptoms Guidelines, WHO Fact Sheets, systematic review and meta-analysis published literature, updated January 30, 2025
The clinical presentation spectrum of Zika virus disease observed in the United States during 2025 continues to align closely with well-established global epidemiological patterns documented throughout previous outbreak periods. The most striking and epidemiologically significant characteristic of Zika infection is that approximately 80% of infected individuals remain completely asymptomatic throughout their entire infection course, never developing any recognizable symptoms or clinical manifestations that would prompt them to seek medical attention or testing. This extraordinarily high proportion of asymptomatic infections presents substantial challenges for comprehensive disease surveillance, accurate case identification, and effective outbreak detection, as the vast majority of infections occur silently within communities without any medical documentation or public health reporting.
Among the approximately 20% of infected individuals who do develop symptomatic illness, the clinical manifestations typically begin appearing 3 to 14 days following the mosquito bite that transmitted the virus, with this incubation period representing the time required for viral replication to reach levels sufficient to trigger immune system recognition and symptomatic response. The most characteristic and frequently observed symptoms in symptomatic Zika cases include acute onset of fever, distinctive maculopapular skin rash that often begins on the face and spreads to the trunk and extremities, arthralgia affecting multiple joints particularly in the hands and feet, nonpurulent conjunctivitis manifesting as red or pink eyes without discharge, persistent headache, and myalgia or muscle pain affecting various body regions. These symptoms are generally mild in intensity and typically persist for several days to approximately one week, with most affected individuals recovering completely without requiring hospital admission or intensive medical interventions. The clinical illness is usually self-limited, resolving spontaneously without specific antiviral treatment, as no licensed therapeutic medications currently exist for Zika virus infection. People infected with Zika very rarely become sick enough to require hospitalization, and deaths directly attributable to Zika infection are extremely uncommon occurrences. However, in rare circumstances, Zika virus can cause severe disease affecting the central nervous system, including potentially life-threatening conditions such as encephalitis (brain inflammation), meningitis (inflammation of tissues surrounding the brain), or myelitis (spinal cord inflammation), though these severe neurological manifestations remain exceptionally rare.
Pregnancy-Related Complications and Congenital Zika Syndrome in the US 2025
| Pregnancy Complication Category | Risk Percentage | Trimester with Highest Risk | Clinical Manifestation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Birth Defects with Zika Exposure | 5% (1 in 20) | First and second trimesters | Congenital Zika Syndrome |
| Birth Defects – Symptomatic Mothers | 5.3% (1 in 20) | First trimester highest | Brain and eye abnormalities |
| Birth Defects – Asymptomatic Mothers | 4.2% (1 in 25) | First trimester highest | Similar to symptomatic |
| First Trimester Confirmed Infection | 8% (2 in 25) | First trimester | Severe microcephaly risk |
| Second Trimester Infection Risk | Lower than first | Second trimester | Brain abnormalities possible |
| Third Trimester Infection Risk | Lower than first/second | Third trimester | Lower but not zero risk |
| Microcephaly (Abnormally Small Head) | Most common defect | First trimester | Severe brain underdevelopment |
| Intracranial Calcifications | Common in CZS | First trimester | Brain tissue damage |
| Cerebral/Cortical Atrophy | Common in CZS | First trimester | Brain tissue loss |
| Chorioretinal Abnormalities | Eye involvement | Any trimester | Vision problems |
| Fetal Loss/Stillbirth | Increased risk | Any trimester | Pregnancy loss |
| Preterm Birth Risk | Increased | Any trimester | Birth before 37 weeks |
Data Source: CDC Congenital Zika Syndrome Guidelines, ZIKV Individual Participant Data Consortium, Zika Pregnancy and Infant Registry data, updated January 31, 2025
Zika virus infection during pregnancy represents the most serious and medically significant complication associated with this arboviral disease, with potential for devastating long-term consequences for affected infants and their families. The virus can cross the placental barrier and infect the developing fetus at any point during pregnancy, regardless of whether the infected mother experiences noticeable symptoms of Zika infection or remains entirely asymptomatic throughout her infection course. Among pregnant women with laboratory-confirmed or epidemiologically probable Zika virus infection documented during pregnancy in US states and territories, comprehensive surveillance data indicates that approximately 5% (1 in 20 babies) are born with Zika-associated birth defects. This overall risk percentage remains relatively consistent regardless of whether the mother experienced symptomatic illness during her infection, with 5.3% (1 in 20) of symptomatic pregnant women and 4.2% (1 in 25) of asymptomatic pregnant women delivering babies with detectable birth defects attributable to Zika exposure.
The gestational timing of maternal Zika infection significantly influences the risk magnitude and severity spectrum of resulting fetal complications. Zika-associated birth defects occur most frequently among infants born to women who experienced virus exposure during early pregnancy stages. The highest documented risk period occurs with first trimester infection, where approximately 8% (2 in 25) of pregnant women with confirmed Zika virus infection deliver babies with Zika-associated birth defects. While the risk decreases somewhat during second and third trimester infections, Zika exposure at any point during pregnancy carries potential for adverse fetal outcomes, and birth defects related to Zika can manifest following infections acquired during second or third trimesters as well, albeit typically with lower frequency and sometimes reduced severity. The constellation of birth defects and developmental problems associated with intrauterine Zika exposure is collectively termed Congenital Zika Syndrome (CZS), which encompasses a specific recognizable pattern of structural malformations and functional impairments. The characteristic features of CZS include microcephaly (head circumference measuring smaller than expected when compared to infants of the same sex and gestational age), severe brain developmental abnormalities including intracranial calcifications and cerebral or cortical atrophy, distinctive eye abnormalities including chorioretinal scarring and optic nerve abnormalities that can cause vision impairment or blindness, hearing loss ranging from mild to profound, feeding difficulties and swallowing problems, seizure disorders, and decreased joint movement known as contractures that limit range of motion in affected limbs. Not all babies born with evidence of prenatal Zika exposure will exhibit all of these clinical manifestations, and some infants who appear normal at birth may subsequently develop microcephaly or other neurological problems as they grow and develop during infancy and early childhood.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome Association with Zika Virus in the US 2025
| GBS Epidemiological Measure | Statistical Data | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| GBS Prevalence Among Zika Infections | 1.23% (95% CI: 1.17-1.29%) | Rare but serious neurological complication |
| GBS Cases Per 10,000 Zika Infections | Approximately 111 cases | Substantial health service burden |
| GBS Cases Per 4,000 Zika Infections | Approximately 1 case | Alternative risk expression |
| Incidence Increase During Outbreaks | 2.0 to 9.8 times baseline | Dramatic surge during epidemics |
| GBS Cases in French Polynesia Outbreak | 42 cases total | First recognized association |
| Typical Annual GBS Cases Pre-Zika | Approximately 5 cases | French Polynesia baseline |
| GBS Patients with Prior Zika Symptoms | 97% had compatible symptoms | Strong epidemiological association |
| Respiratory Assistance Required | Approximately 29% of cases | Severity indicator |
| Recovery Timeline for GBS | Several weeks to months | Variable duration |
| Death from Zika-Associated GBS | Very rare | Favorable overall prognosis |
| Anti-Glycolipid Antibodies Present | Approximately 31-46% | Immunological marker |
Data Source: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses, French Polynesia outbreak studies, Colombia cohort studies, multi-country assessments published 2016-2025
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) represents a rare but potentially severe neurological complication that can occur following Zika virus infection, adding an additional dimension of medical concern beyond the well-documented pregnancy-related complications. GBS is an acute autoimmune disorder in which an individual’s own immune system mistakenly attacks peripheral nerves, causing progressive muscle weakness, paralysis, and in severe cases requiring mechanical ventilation support when respiratory muscles become affected. The epidemiological association between Zika virus infection and subsequent development of GBS was first recognized during the 2013-2014 outbreak in French Polynesia, when health authorities documented 42 cases of GBS during the outbreak period, representing a dramatic increase from the approximately 5 cases typically observed annually in that territory during the four years preceding the Zika outbreak.
Comprehensive systematic reviews and meta-analyses synthesizing data from multiple outbreak locations have estimated that the overall prevalence of GBS among individuals infected with Zika virus is approximately 1.23% (95% confidence interval: 1.17-1.29%), meaning roughly 1 case of GBS occurs for every 4,000 Zika infections. Alternative risk expressions indicate there are approximately 111 suspected GBS cases per 10,000 reported suspect Zika cases across various geographic locations. During outbreak periods, the incidence of GBS has been documented to increase to levels 2.0 to 9.8 times higher than baseline rates observed before Zika virus emergence in affected regions, imposing substantial burdens on healthcare systems and intensive care unit capacities. In Colombia, during the major 2015-2016 Zika outbreak, researchers documented that 97% of patients who developed GBS had experienced symptoms compatible with Zika virus infection in the weeks preceding onset of their neurological symptoms, providing strong epidemiological evidence supporting a causal relationship between Zika infection and GBS development. Approximately 29% of patients with Zika-associated GBS require respiratory assistance due to weakness affecting breathing muscles, demonstrating the potential severity of this complication. Most individuals affected by GBS experience gradual recovery over a period of several weeks to several months, though some patients may have permanent neurological deficits, and deaths directly attributable to Zika-associated GBS remain very rare occurrences, with favorable overall prognosis for the majority of affected individuals.
Geographic Distribution of Zika Risk Areas Globally in 2025
| Geographic Region | Transmission Status | Number of Countries/Territories | Vector Mosquito Present |
|---|---|---|---|
| Latin America and Caribbean | Current or past transmission | Multiple countries | Yes – Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus |
| Africa | Sporadic transmission documented | Multiple countries | Yes – Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus |
| Southeast Asia | Current or past transmission | Multiple countries | Yes – Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus |
| Western Pacific | Current or past transmission | Multiple countries | Yes – Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus |
| Total Global Areas with Evidence | Historical or current | 89 countries and territories | Vector distribution expanding |
| United States Continental | No current local transmission | Zero active transmission | Vector present in some areas |
| US Territories (Puerto Rico, USVI) | No recent confirmed cases | No confirmed since 2019 | Vector present |
| Alaska and Hawaii | Never documented transmission | Zero historical cases | Vector absent or limited |
| Areas with Active Travel Notices | Currently zero active notices | None as of June 2025 | Variable by location |
Data Source: CDC Countries and Territories at Risk for Zika page, World Health Organization, Pan American Health Organization, data updated June 24, 2025
The global geographic distribution of Zika virus risk areas during 2025 reflects the continued but substantially diminished presence of the virus across tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, though at dramatically reduced transmission levels compared to the explosive epidemic period of 2015-2017. As of mid-2025, a total of 89 countries and territories globally have reported evidence of Zika virus infection at some point in their epidemiological history, spanning multiple continents including extensive areas throughout Latin America and the Caribbean, sporadic locations across Africa, multiple countries in Southeast Asia, and various Pacific island nations. The primary mosquito vectors responsible for Zika transmission, Aedes aegypti (the yellow fever mosquito) and Aedes albopictus (the Asian tiger mosquito), thrive in warm, humid tropical and subtropical climates where they breed prolifically in standing water sources around human habitations.
The CDC classification system for Zika risk areas categorizes locations into distinct tiers based on available surveillance data and transmission evidence. Countries and territories classified as having “current or past Zika transmission” represent areas that have documented Zika cases historically but where current real-time transmission levels may be uncertain due to variations in disease surveillance capacity, diagnostic testing availability, and public health reporting systems across different nations. Because surveillance practices for Zika virus vary tremendously among countries worldwide, the CDC acknowledges that it does not always possess accurate current information about real-time Zika transmission risk in many geographic areas. For this important reason, all countries and territories with documented current or past Zika transmission are conservatively considered to maintain some ongoing risk for Zika virus transmission when travelers plan international trips. As of June 24, 2025, there are currently zero geographic areas worldwide with an active Zika Travel Health Notice issued by the CDC, indicating that no countries or territories are experiencing outbreak conditions significant enough to warrant enhanced travel warnings or restrictions. The large-scale Zika virus outbreaks that swept across the Americas during 2015 and 2016 have concluded, but Zika virus continues to persist at low endemic levels in many countries around the world, maintaining potential risk for travelers visiting affected regions. The continental United States maintains its status as an area without current local mosquito-borne transmission, though the presence of competent vector mosquitoes in some southern states means that reintroduction risk persists if infected travelers introduce the virus to areas with suitable vector populations and environmental conditions.
Prevention and Protection Strategies for Zika Virus in the US 2025
| Prevention Strategy | Target Population | Effectiveness Level | Implementation Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mosquito Bite Prevention | All travelers to risk areas | Highly effective | EPA-registered insect repellents |
| Long-Sleeved Clothing | All travelers | Effective barrier method | Physical protection |
| Air Conditioning/Window Screens | All individuals | Highly effective | Environmental control |
| Eliminate Standing Water | All residents | Effective for breeding control | Source reduction |
| Condom Use After Travel | Sexually active individuals | Effective prevention | 3 months males, 2 months females |
| Travel Postponement | Pregnant women | Eliminates exposure risk | Avoid endemic areas |
| Pregnancy Planning Delay | Women in endemic areas | Reduces fetal risk | Contraception counseling |
| EPA-Registered Repellents Safe | Pregnant and breastfeeding women | Safe when used as directed | DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, Oil of lemon eucalyptus |
| Vector Control Programs | Communities | Reduces mosquito populations | Integrated pest management |
| Surveillance and Rapid Testing | Public health systems | Early detection | Molecular and serological testing |
Data Source: CDC Prevention Guidelines, Travel Health Recommendations, updated January 30, 2025
Prevention strategies for Zika virus disease in the United States during 2025 focus predominantly on protecting travelers who visit endemic areas where the virus continues to circulate, pregnant women who represent the highest-risk population for severe complications, and maintaining robust mosquito control measures in regions where competent vector species are established. The single most important and effective prevention measure for travelers is rigorous mosquito bite avoidance through multiple complementary strategies. The CDC strongly recommends that all individuals traveling to countries or territories with documented current or historical Zika transmission should consistently use EPA-registered insect repellents containing active ingredients such as DEET, Picaridin, IR3535, or Oil of lemon eucalyptus, which have been scientifically proven effective against Aedes mosquitoes when applied according to product label instructions. These repellents are safe for use by pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers when used as directed, providing crucial protection for vulnerable populations.
Additional protective measures include wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and treating clothing with permethrin insecticide for enhanced protection, staying in accommodations with effective air conditioning or intact window and door screens that exclude mosquitoes from living spaces, and eliminating potential mosquito breeding sites around homes by emptying standing water from containers, flower pots, buckets, and other objects where Aedes mosquitoes preferentially lay their eggs. Sexual transmission prevention remains an important consideration, as Zika virus can be transmitted through sexual contact from infected individuals to their partners.
Disclaimer: The data research report we present here is based on information found from various sources. We are not liable for any financial loss, errors, or damages of any kind that may result from the use of the information herein. We acknowledge that though we try to report accurately, we cannot verify the absolute facts of everything that has been represented.
