human
I've been hearing a lot about the Zika virus. What do I need to know?
assistant
The Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne disease that has been linked to microcephaly and other birth defects in babies. It's spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes, so it's important to take precautions to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. You can reduce your risk by using insect repellents, wearing long sleeves and pants, and staying in air conditioned or screened areas. If you are pregnant and think you may have been exposed to Zika, contact your doctor immediately for guidance on how to protect yourself and your unborn baby.