Zika Virus

Reportable by Providers and Laboratories

About this Reportable Disease

Infectious agent: Zika Virus is an RNA virus that belonging to the genus Flavivirus.

Description of illness: Zika virus is transmitted to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito but can also be transmitted through unprotected sex and from mother to child during pregnancy. In most people, Zika virus will not produce any symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. The most common symptoms of Zika are: fever, rash, headache, joint pain, conjunctivitis (red eyes), and muscle pain lasting for several days to a week.

Interactive Disease Data


Laboratory Reporting for this Disease

Reporting requirements apply to all laboratories located within Tennessee, as well as laboratories outside of Tennessee that test residents of Tennessee, including laboratories located within healthcare facilities. Healthcare providers and laboratories in the same healthcare facility both have a duty to report. The type of organisms and analytes laboratories must report to TDH for 2026 are indicated, and there are several ways laboratories can report results to TDH.

Information about this Reportable Disease for Healthcare Providers

Clinical Summary

  • Scope and agent: Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus primarily transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. It can also be transmitted sexually, vertically (from pregnant women to fetus), through blood transfusion, and laboratory exposure.
  • Clinical presentation: Most infections are asymptomatic. Symptomatic illness is typically mild and includes an acute onset of fever, maculopapular rash, arthralgia, and conjunctivitis. Illness usually lasts several days to one week. Severe disease is uncommon; however, infection during pregnancy can result in congenital Zika syndrome, including microcephaly and other serious brain abnormalities. Zika infection has also been associated with Guillain-Barré syndrome.
  • Transmission and epidemiology: Spread occurs primarily through bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions. Sexual transmission can occur from infected individuals, even if asymptomatic. Local transmission has occurred in parts of the United States, but most U.S. cases are travel-associated.
  • Clinical approach: Consider Zika virus infection in patients with compatible symptoms and recent travel to or residence in areas with active or past transmission, or sexual exposure to a potentially infected partner. In pregnant patients, assess for possible exposure and follow current testing guidance. Laboratory testing (NAAT and/or serology) should be coordinated according to public health recommendations.
  • Treatment and prevention: No specific antiviral treatment; management is supportive. Prevent infection through mosquito bite prevention and sexual transmission precautions. There is currently no licensed vaccine available for general use.
  • Reporting: Zika virus disease is nationally notifiable. Suspected cases, particularly in pregnant women and infants, should be reported promptly to public health authorities.

Healthcare Provider Reporting

Healthcare reporting requirements apply to all providers located within Tennessee, as well as providers whose patients reside in Tennessee.

Providers must report cases of all diseases and conditions listed through one of these methods:

• Mail or fax a completed PH-1600 form to your local health department or fax to the state health office at (615) 741-3857

• Send automatically via electronic case reporting (eCR). See this TDH webpage for more information on eCR, register at the Trader Partner Registration website, or contact MU.Health@tn.gov for assistance.

• Submit online via NBS. NBS is TDH's reportable disease system. To request an NBS account for reporting Complete this user survey to request an NBS account for reporting. 

• Blood lead levels can be sent via fax ( (615) 741-3857), entered online, or reported using the instructions at this link. 

Information about this Reportable Disease for the Public

What It Is

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus primarily spread by Aedes species mosquitoes (e.g., Aedes aegypti, Aedes albopictus).

It can also be passed from a pregnant woman to her fetus, through sex, or more rarely via infected blood, tissues, or in laboratory settings.

Infection during pregnancy is especially concerning because it can cause birth defects and other pregnancy complications.

Types

The Zika virus has two main types: the African lineage and the Asian lineage.

The African strain is the original form found in Uganda, while the Asian strain caused major outbreaks in the Americas and is linked to birth defects and neurological complications.

Signs and Symptoms

Many people infected with Zika do not show symptoms, or only mild ones, and may not realize they were infected. When symptoms do occur, they typically last for several days to a week.
Common symptoms include:

  • Fever
  • Maculopapular rash (a skin rash) 
  • Joint pain (arthralgia) 
  • Red eyes (non-purulent conjunctivitis) 
  • Muscle pain, headache 

Rare but serious complications can include Guillain-Barré syndrome, brain inflammation, and blood disorders. In pregnant women, Zika can cause congenital Zika syndrome in infants—including microcephaly, brain and eye problems, feeding issues, and more 

Treatment

Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment or vaccine for Zika virus infection. Treatment is supportive and focuses on relieving symptoms:

Get plenty of rest

Stay well hydrated (drink fluids)

Use over-the-counter medicines (such as acetaminophen) to reduce fever and pain

However, avoid aspirin or other NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) until dengue has been ruled out, to reduce risk of bleeding.
If you have other health conditions or are taking other medications, consult your healthcare provider before taking anything new

This Page Last Updated: March 25, 2026 at 8:53 PM