The Zika virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women since an infection puts them at very high risk for birthing children with medical problems, such as microcephaly, dwarfism, and development delays. The infection can also cause complications in pregnancy.

The virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse as the virus has been found in various bodily fluids, including ejaculate, saliva, urine, amniotic fluid, breast milk, and spinal fluid.