Zika Virus

Symptoms

Most people have few or no symptoms if they get Zika virus.

If you do have symptoms, they're usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days.

The most common symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• a headache
• sore, red eyes
• swollen joints and joint and muscle pain

• a rash and itching all over the body
  

Causes

Zika virus is usually caught by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Very rarely, you can get the virus by having sex with someone who has it.

Zika virus is found in parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands
• Africa

• Asia
  

Treatment Options

There are no specific treatments for Zika virus.

If you have symptoms, you should:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids
• take pain relief, such as paracetamol

If you're pregnant and have Zika virus, your midwife or hospital doctor will talk about the risk with you and may arrange an ultrasound scan to check your baby's growth.

You may also be referred to a specialist for more monitoring.

Prevention Tips

If you're travelling to an area where Zika virus is found, get advice from a GP, nurse, pharmacist or travel clinic before you go.

It's best to do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, but you can still get advice at the last minute if you need to.

There are things you can do to avoid getting Zika virus while you're travelling.

• use insect repellent on your skin – make sure it's 50% DEET-based
• sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide

• wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs – the mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are most active during the day
  

When To See A Doctor

See a doctor urgently if you've recently travelled to a country with a Zika virus risk and:

• you feel unwell
• you or your partner are pregnant

• have numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness or pain in your feet and hands that spreads to your arms and legs