Zika is a virus most often transmitted via mosquito bites but it can also spread through sexual intercourse with an infected person. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , the first known transmission of Zika via a local mosquito population in the U.S. has occurred near Miami, FL. Symptoms of Zika infection include fever, rash, joint pain and conjuctivitis and can last anywhere from several days to a week.  The virus has been linked to birth defects, including microcephaly, which often indicates incomplete brain formation. The risks are greatest for pregnant women, but given its current research, the CDC has found a strong association between Guillain-Barre syndrome and Zika infections, although the incidence of this is rare. It is recommended that everyone take precautions against mosquito bites, including using insect repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants, using screens on your doors or windows and removing standing water (a breeding ground for mosquitos) from your lawn. Check travel advisories before planning travel to a country with Zika outbreaks. For more information on the Zika virus and how to protect yourself, visit the CDC's website .