Key Stories

Zika Virus Outbreak

Find the latest news, videos and updates on the Zika virus spreading across the Americas. Learn about zika virus prevention, symptoms, outbreaks & more on http://www.nbcnews.com.

Key Stories

Felipe Dana / AP

Is DEET Safe? And Other Questions About Zika

Bracing for Zika: Meet the Mosquito Hunters

Bracing for Zika: Pregnant and Worried as Zika Comes to Texas

Zika Virus Hotspot: Houston's Two Cities

Bracing for Zika: A Tale of Two Cities

Felipe Dana / AP

Is DEET Safe? And Other Questions About Zika

Who needs to worry most about the Zika virus and what can you do? Here are some answers to the most pressing questions about Zika.

Jennifer Weiss / NBC News

Bracing for Zika: Meet the Mosquito Hunters

Harris County, Houston, expects to be a hotspot for Zika when it finally takes hold in the U.S. Here's how it's preparing.

Jennifer Weiss / NBC News

Bracing for Zika: Pregnant and Worried as Zika Comes to Texas

Victoria Eljach is doubly at risk of Zika — from her own travel and her husband's. Now she's pregnant, and Zika's headed her way in Houston.

Jennifer Weiss / NBC News

Bracing for Zika: A Tale of Two Cities

It only takes 15 minutes to drive from Houston's glittering medical center to the Fifth Ward, straight from the First World to the Zika zone.

Find the latest news, videos and updates on the Zika virus spreading across the Americas. Learn about zika virus prevention, symptoms, outbreaks & more on http://www.nbcnews.com.

Alan Diaz / AP

Zika Virus Was Spreading Quietly a Year Before Anyone Knew, Gene Study Shows

Gene Study Shows Zika's Stealthy Spread

The Zika virus was spreading in Brazil for as long as a year before anyone noticed, and for weeks and months in places such as Miami, studies show.

Mario Tama / Getty Images

Women Not Getting Zika Follow-Up and Budget Threatens Funding, Experts Say

Women Not Getting Zika Followup, Expert Says

Only about a quarter of babies born to women who were infected with Zika while pregnant are getting the recommended follow-up, an expert warned.

Worse Than Ebola: U.S. Not Preparing for the Next Bio-Threat

U.S. Slacking Off on Biodefense, Experts Say

President Donald Trump could win 'bipartisan acclaim' if he makes biodefense a cause, says the head of the House panel overseeing biomedical research.

Zika-Fighting Sterile Mosquitoes Released Near Key West

A batch of mosquitoes that breed dud offspring were released in the Florida Keys to see if they can reduce populations of the disease-carrying insects

Zika Found in Common Backyard Asian Tiger Mosquito

A common backyard mosquito can be infected with the Zika virus and it may pass the virus along in its eggs, researchers reported Friday.

Birth Defects Hit 10 Percent of Zika-Infected Women in U.S.

At least 10 percent of babies born to women infected with Zika virus have been diagnosed with visible birth defects, federal researchers report.

New Zika Vaccine Starts Wider Testing

NIH researchers said Friday they have started a new phase of testing a vaccine to protect against the Zika virus.

CDC Widens South Florida Zika Virus Zone – Sort Of

People who never thought they could have caught Zika in Florida may, in fact, become infected, federal health officials said Monday.

Zika Raises Birth Defect Rate 20 Times, CDC Report Finds

The small study gives a good ballpark estimate of just how dangerous Zika is, federal researchers say.

Two Pregnant Women Retested Positive for Zika After False Negatives in D.C.

The CDC is retesting 409 specimens that tested negative in Washington, D.C., last year, and so far two have already come back positive.

Zika One Year On: The Virus That Came From Nowhere and Broke All the Rules

Where’s Zika going next? We tracked how the virus came seemingly out of nowhere and broke all the rules

CDC Declares Texas Town a 'Yellow' Zika Virus Zone

Brownsville, Texas, is now a 'yellow' Zika virus zone that pregnant women should avoid if possible, health officials said Wednesday.

Zika Virus Damages 6 Percent of Fetuses in U.S. Study

The Zika virus damages 6 percent of babies if a pregnant woman is infected, and even women who had no symptoms from the infection can be affected.

Miami's South Beach Is No Longer a Zika Zone But Texas Is

The Zika virus is no longer actively spreading in Miami’s South Beach. But just as Miami's Zika zone lifted, Texas announced four more local cases.

Mosquitoes Thrive in U.S. But Don't Blame Climate Change

A surprising new study finds that mosquito populations have exploded in parts of the U.S. — but not because of a warming climate.

Another Miami Neighborhood Is Cleared of Zika Virus

Florida state officials declared a second outbreak of Zika over in the Miami area, this one in a neighborhood north of Miami known as Little River.

Should I Worry About Zika? Your Questions Answered

Zika has now caused two separate outbreaks in the Miami area, infecting tourists from Texas, New York and Taiwan. Americans are starting to worry.

Zika Virus Arrives in South Texas

Texas reported its first home-grown case of Zika virus infection Monday — making it the second U.S. state with mosquitoes spreading the virus.

Zika Virus Damages Babies' Brains After Birth, Doctors Report

Babies born looking normal and healthy after a Zika infection are developing smaller-than-normal heads months later, doctors report.

Zika Still an Emergency, Just a Different Kind, WHO Says

The change in status from a public health emergency of international concern to a longer-term problem is not a "downgrade" a top official said.

Zika Virus Teams Up With Other Viruses to Sicken People

Two studies show that Zika virus may not be working alone in causing strange infections in South America: it may be getting help from other viruses.

Zika Hits Women Harder in Puerto Rico

Zika's hitting the worst possible group in Puerto Rico — women of childbearing age, a new study finds.

'Lazy' Mosquitoes Spread Chikungunya, Other Viruses, to Women

Mosquitoes that stay in and around houses attack women more than men, which may explain why viruses such as chikungunya and Zika do, too.

Antibody Might Protect Fetus From Zika, Study Finds

Researchers have found a possible treatment for Zika virus as a U.S. team started a new trial of a Zika vaccine Monday.

Study Finds People Like the Wrong Stuff on Social Media Better

People 'liked' and shared the most misleading Zika virus stories on Facebook more than the accurate posts, a new study finds.

Zika Damages Male Fertility, in Mice Anyway

The Zika virus can get into the testes of mice, shrinking them and damaging them so badly that sperm production drops, researchers report.

First Zika Birth Defect Reported in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico has reported its first case of a baby born with microcephaly as a result of a Zika infection.

Pregnant Woman Infected With Zika Waits and Worries for Her Baby

Zika rarely makes adults seriously ill, but it can get into the brains and bodies of developing fetuses and cause catastrophic damage.

CDC's New Miami Zika 'Red Zone' Means Stay Out for Pregnant Women

Federal health officials have made a new color-coded map for Miami and urged all pregnant women to consider postponing travel to Miami-Dade County.

In Brazil, Moms of Zika Babies Struggle to Get Help

The first babies born with birth defects caused by Zika are turning 1 in Brazil, and their moms are strugglign to get help raising them.

Zika Funds Not Going Anywhere Fast Until Next Year, HHS Says

Congress finally approved Zika funding at the end of last month. Now it's entered the slow, bureaucratic world of the federal funding process.

Zika Virus Found in Woman's Vagina for Weeks

A woman infected with Zika had evidence of the virus in her vagina for weeks, researchers reported Tuesday.

New Zika Zone Found in Miami

Florida has a new Zika zone — a one square mile area where the Zika virus is actively infecting people, state officials said Thursday.

Feds to Fund Plans to Take on Zika Virus With Drones

The drone program is among a batch of inventive solutions for fighting Zika funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development.

Zika Virus Cases Soar in Asia, WHO Says

Zika virus cases are soaring in Asia and it's not clear why. It;s not the same strain as the one affecting the Americas.

Bug Spray and Bravado Keep Miami Beach Bustling Despite Zika

With a little bug spray and a lot of bravado, visitors and residents alike brave the threat of Zika to enjoy Miami Beach.

Zika Vaccine Could Actually be Profitable, Companies Say

The race to find protection against the Zika virus is fueled by something often missing from tropical disease research: the potential for big profit.

Can I Ever Get Pregnant? And Other Questions About Zika Virus

There are new recommendations on pregnancy, sex and the risk of Zika virus.

First Report on Zika in Kids Shows It's Usually Mild

The Zika virus doesn’t seem to hit children any harder than it does adults, government researchers said Friday.

CDC Sounds Alarm on Travel to Asia as Zika Spreads There

The CDC issued a travel advisory for Southeast Asia as Thailand confirmed it had found two cases of birth defects linked to the Zika virus.

Zika Might Spread in Sweat and Tears, Doctors Warn

The Zika virus may spread in sweat and tears in some cases, doctors cautioned Thursday.

Congress Finally Passes Zika Funding Bill; Provides $1.1 Billion

'We’ll be able to put that money towards the Zika fight as soon as the new fiscal year begins,' said a Health and Human Services Department spokesman.

Miami's Zika Search Turns Up Another Virus: Dengue

Florida health officials who have been testing thousands of residents for Zika virus have found another infection: dengue virus.

Zika Virus Damage Can Mislead Parents, Experts Say

From babies who crawl way too soon to infants who cry 24 hours a day, Zika's effects are startling the doctors treating the infected babies.

Double Dose of Pesticides Stops Zika Mosquitoes, CDC Says

Two types of pesticides were needed to kill both Zika-carrying adult mosquitoes and their larvae in Florida, the CDC reported.

One Florida Neighborhood Comes Off the Zika List

The first outbreak of Zika virus in the continental U.S. was declared over, even as more Zika-infected mosquitoes were found in a nearby Zika zone.

This Study Removes Any Doubt Zika Virus Causes Birth Defect

The type of study, called a case-control study, can rule out other possible causes of microcephaly such as chemicals or pesticides.

One Florida Zika Outbreak is Almost Over

The first official outbreak of Zika virus infection in the continental U.S. may be over as soon as next week, officials say.

Miami Beach Protesters Shout Down Zika Meeting Over Pesticide Use

Angry protesters interrupted a meeting of the city council in Miami Beach, shouting “No more naled” and demanding an end to mosquito spraying.

Florida Zika Count Hits 70 Local Cases

Florida health officials said Tuesday they found six new locally transmitted cases of Zika virus, bringing the state’s total to 70 cases.

Zika Virus Mystery: How Did Dying Man Infect His Son?

Doctors still can't say how a dying Utah man gave Zika virus to his son last July but said the virus may pass directly from patients to caregivers.

Zika Affected Woman's Brain and Memory, Doctors Say

Italian researchers say they’ve found evidence Zika can affect the brains of adults, and may damage memory.

Sprays, Traps, and GM Bugs: A Look at Our Tools to Fight Zika

Tools to fight mosquitoes that can carry the virus range from low-tech traps to high-tech genetically modified insects.

Miami Beach Starts Spraying for Zika Mosquitoes After Protest

The spraying had been delayed a day after worried and angry residents complained to city officials and organized a small protest outside City Hall.

Zika Doubled Birth Defect Rate in Brazil, Study Shows

The arrival of Zika virus in Brazil doubled the rate of birth defects involving the nervous system, including microcephaly, researchers report.

Zika Money Is Running Out Across Federal Agencies

Federal agencies are borrowing money from other programs to fight Zika. One expert says that's just giving Congress an excuse not to provide funds.

Zika Funding Fails Again in Congress

As senators traded barbs about whom to blame for the lack of funding, Florida health officials said they'd found seven more home-grown cases of Zika.

World Health Organization Broadens Zika Sex Guidelines

The WHO says more studies are showing that sex may pass along Zika more often than thought, and it’s better to be careful. Plus more Florida cases.

Zika Count Rises to 215 in Singapore

Singapore reported another big batch of Zika cases Sunday, bringing its total count in just over a week to 215.

Zika Mosquitoes May Have Bred in Bromeliads, Florida Officials Say

Florida health officials on Thursday blamed the popular tropical plants known as bromeliads for helping to breed Zika mosquitoes.

As Zika Spread, Paralyzing Guillain-Barré Syndrome Skyrocketed

Rates of Guillain-Barré skyrocketed in countries hit by Zika virus epidemics — by as much as 877 percent in Venezuela,health officials say.

Zika Worsens in Singapore, and U.S. Experts Are Worried

Singapore, a city-state about two-thirds the size of Washington, D.C., has 115 confirmed cases of the viral infection spread by local mosquitoes.

Zika Damages Babies' Hearing, Study Finds

The Zika virus not only causes severe brain damage but it causes hearing loss in some babies as well, Brazilian researchers reported Tuesday.

Zika Mosquitoes Can Infect Their Eggs, Too

The Aedes mosquitoes that spread Zika can leave little Zika bombs in their eggs, helping the virus survive dry spells.

Drugs Used to Fight Hepatitis, Worm Infections Might Stop Zika

A drug already on the market to treat worm infections and another being tested against liver diseases may also help treat Zika virus infections.

Zika Starts to Take Hold in Singapore

Tiny Singapore says it has its own outbreak of Zika virus.

Tropical System Could Make Florida's Zika Fight Even Harder

Zika is primarily spread through the Aedes mosquito, known as a "container-breeding" bug because it likes to lay eggs in or near standing water.

Zika Funding Delay in Congress Puts Americans at Risk, Obama Says

Since Congress went on a summer break, Zika has started appearing in homegrown outbreaks in Florida. The president says that's a serious problem.

FDA Suggests Testing All Donated Blood for Zika

All blood donations should be tested for Zika virus, the Food and Drug Administration said Friday.

Study Shows How Zika Is Sexually Transmitted

A new study provides more evidence that the Zika virus spreads sexually, and shows how.

So Far, It Seems No One Caught Zika at the Olympics: WHO

No one appears to have caught Zika at the Olympics, the World Health Organization said Thursday.

More Bad Zika News: Affected Newborn Stayed Infected for Two Months

A Brazilian baby with brain damage caused by Zika virus stayed infected for more than two months after he was born, doctors reported Wednesday.

Another New Zika Case Found in Florida

Florida reported a new homegrown case of Zika virus Wednesday, this one in Palm Beach County.

Images Show Zika's Destruction of Babies' Brains

Missing brain tissue. Deformed spinal cords. Folded skills. The images of Zika's brain destruction are horrifying.

Expect More U.S. Zika Virus Cases, Experts Say

Zika virus has turned up in a new part of Florida, and experts say it's almost certainly not done spreading.

New Zika Case Found in Florida's St. Petersburg

Florida’s got a new case of Zika virus, this one on the Gulf coast, state officials said Tuesday.

Video

How Does Zika Causes Birth Defects

This is how the Zika virus causes severe and often horrific birth defects. Warning: Some images may be disturbing.

Zika Took Her Baby. She Doesn't Want It to Happen to You

She never saw the mosquito that bit her and gave her Zika. And she had no way of knowing it would cost her a longed-for first pregnancy.

Zika Speads in Florida, Infects 5 in Miami Beach

Zika is spreading locally in Miami Beach, and has infected three tourists.

Man Dies From Zika-Related Paralysis in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico reported its first death on Friday from a paralyzing condition that developed from a Zika infection.

Is Zika Spreading in Miami Beach?

Florida health officials declined to confirm reports Thursday that Zika has spread locally in Miami Beach.

Zika Might Affect Adult Brains, Too, Study Finds

The Zika virus, previously thought only to be a big threat to developing babies, might also affect adult brains, researchers reported Thursday.

Rare Zika Complication Hits 30 in Puerto Rico; CDC Expects More

Thirty people have been diagnosed with a rare paralyzing condition caused by Zika virus infection in Puerto Rico, and the CDC says to expect more.

Zika Spreads From Florida to Texas

A patient in Texas appears to have caught Zika in Florida, making for the first state to state spread of the virus.

Is DEET Safe? And Other Questions About Zika

Who needs to worry most about the Zika virus and what can you do? Here are some answers to the most pressing questions about Zika.

U.S. Declares Health Emergency in Puerto Rico Due to Zika Virus

Puerto Rico reported 1,914 new cases in the past week, for a total of 10,690 since the first one was reported in December.

Florida Confirms Three New Non-Travel Zika Cases

The new cases bring the total of such cases to 28. Zika is spread by mosquitoes and can cause microcephaly and other birth defects.

Video

Zika Blamed In Infant's Death

A newborn girl born with microcephaly has become Texas' first death related to the Zika virus. KPRC's Sofia Ojeda reports.

Florida Governor Announces Four New Non-Travel Zika Cases in Miami Area

Gov. Rick Scott announced four new locally transmitted cases in the Miami area, raising the total to 21.

First Zika Case Reported in Caribbean's Cayman Islands

The first locally-contracted case of the Zika virus has been confirmed in the Cayman Islands, the Caribbean nation's health department said.

Florida Investigating Apparent New Case of Locally Transmitted Zika

Gov. Rick Scott said the state still believes active transmissions of the virus are taking place only in a 1-square mile area in Miami-Dade County.

Zika is Here. I'm Pregnant. What Should I Do?

What you need to know about Zika virus and pregnancy.

Section of Miami Neighborhood With Local Zika Transmission Cleared: Officials

With Florida's Gov. Rick Scott at his side Thursday. CDC Director Dr. Tom Frieden pulled no punches in describing the threat that Zika presents.

'Striking' Results from Early Zika Vaccine Trial

The race to develop a safe and effective vaccine against the Zika virus got one step closer Thursday.

Video

Pregnant and Worried About Zika? Some Tips

These tips from the CDC can help you take precautions against Zika.

41 U.S. Service Members Have Contracted Zika, Pentagon Says

In addition, seven dependents of military personnel have been infected, a Pentagon source told NBC News.

Gallery

15 Zika Cases Set Miami-Dade County on Full Alert

Response teams have been deployed after the United States' first known Zika transmissions were found in a Florida neighborhood.

Home-Grown Cases of Zika Rise to 15 as Transmission Continues in Miami Area

Home-grown Zika cases started showing up last Friday, when the first four were confirmed. Eleven others have been added in just four days.

Pregnant Women Should Avoid Zika Area in Florida as Infections Rise

The Florida Department of Health has identified 10 more people who likely contracted Zika virus locally — bringing the total to 14.

4 Zika Cases In Florida Likely 'Homegrown'

The four cases of Zika infection in Miami, likely the result of bites from local mosquitoes, may be just the beginning of the spread of the virus in the US.