Effects of Zika virus

Zika is mainly spread by infected mosquitoes and can also pass through sexual contact. When symptoms occur, they may include a mild fever, itchy rash, red eyes, joint pain, headache or muscle pain. Symptoms can overlap with dengue and other travel-related infections. Infection during pregnancy can affect the developing baby, and rare neurological complications such as weakness or a nerve disorder can occur. A lack of symptoms does not rule out infection after an important exposure.

Contact a clinician after travel to an affected area if you have compatible symptoms, are pregnant, may be pregnant or have a partner who could have been exposed. Share travel dates, mosquito bites, sexual exposure and pregnancy details. Prevent bites with repellent, covered skin and screened rooms. Use condoms or avoid sex for the period advised by a clinician after possible exposure. A GP Consultation can help assess symptoms; a Travel Health Consultation is useful before future trips.

Seek urgent care for new or worsening weakness, difficulty breathing, trouble swallowing, severe headache, confusion, fainting or inability to walk safely. Arrange prompt medical review for fever and rash after travel, especially during pregnancy. Do not assume a mild illness is Zika, because other infections may need different tests, monitoring or treatment.

Ask whether testing is useful at this stage, how pregnancy or conception plans affect follow-up, how long sexual precautions should continue, and how to protect yourself from mosquito bites. Ask which symptoms require emergency help and whether recent travel changes the tests being considered.