What should you know about incubation Zika?

Incubation is the interval between infection and the first symptoms. When symptoms occur, they are often mild and may include fever, rash, red eyes, joint pain, headache or general tiredness. Because many people have no symptoms, feeling well after travel does not prove that infection did not occur. Zika can be spread by infected mosquitoes and through sexual contact, including when the infected person has no symptoms.

A healthcare professional weighs up your travel route, dates, symptoms, pregnancy status and sexual exposure. A [Travel Health Consultation](/treatments/occupational-and-travel-medicine/travel-health-consultation/) can help before or after travel.

Tell a clinician about travel to an area with Zika, mosquito bites, sexual exposure or a partner's travel. Prevent further mosquito bites with repellent, clothing and screens, especially during illness. Use condoms or avoid sex for the period advised for your circumstances. Anyone who is pregnant, planning pregnancy or whose partner may be pregnant should seek individual advice promptly. A [GP Consultation](/treatments/consultations-and-assessment/gp-consultation/) can address testing and pregnancy-related questions.

Arrange medical advice for a new fever, rash, red eyes or joint pain after relevant travel or exposure. Seek urgent care for severe headache, weakness, confusion, breathing difficulty or signs of a serious allergic reaction. Pregnancy with possible Zika exposure warrants prompt contact with a maternity or medical team even if symptoms are absent.

Ask whether testing is appropriate, how long to use barrier protection, how pregnancy plans change the advice, and how to reduce mosquito exposure at home.