How does the Zika virus spread?

Answer 1

The first way the Zika virus can be spread is by actually encountering the mosquito. The mosquito then can inject the virus into your body. The mosquito picks it up while feeding on an infected person or animal.

The second way is through bodily function sharing. There are currently several incidents of people having sexual intercourse with an infected person and contracting the virus.

The third way is a pregnant woman transmitting it to her unborn baby. That's where things get really ugly; when a fetus is infected with the Zika virus, it can result in microcephaly, severe brain malformations, and other birth defects.

Answer 2

Usually through mosquito bites, through other ways.

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See the Expert answer for most of the other ways.

Not mentioned is that males can also pass it to other males through fellatio and anal intercourse.

Answer 3

The Zika Virus can be spread via:

• The bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito
• Mother to baby at the time of birth (likely due to ingesting a little of the mother's blood accidentally)
  
• Mother to baby while the baby is in the womb
• A male passing it onto a female through sexual intercourse
• A male passing it onto a female via semen ingestion
• Through blood transfusion, if the blood donor is infected.
  

Further information:

• Centre for Disease Control: Zika Virus