Virus is transmitted by infected
mosquitoes that act as vectors to infect individuals during a mosquito bite.
The viruses are not reported to be transmitted from person to person, although
theoretically this could happen in some rare instances (blood transfusions,
organ transplants, sexual contact, and from mother to fetus). Some
investigators suggest that transfer of Zika virus may be transmitted by sexual
contact more frequently than first suspected, thus providing another way the
virus is transmitted. Because sexual transfer of this virus may be more
frequent, physicians are recommending the use of condoms to protect uninfected
sex partners from getting the disease. The
incubation period for Zika viruses is about three to 12 days after the mosquito
bite. Symptoms may last about four to seven days. Approximately 60%- 80% of
infections do not produce any symptoms or signs. The incubation period for the
virus infection transmitted by sexual contact is under investigation.