What should you know about a Zika case?

Zika is a viral infection most often passed through mosquito bites. It can also be passed through sex and from a pregnant person to the developing baby. Some people have no symptoms. When symptoms occur, they can include fever, rash, red eyes, headache, muscle or joint discomfort, and feeling tired. A clinical assessment considers where you travelled, mosquito exposure, sexual exposure, symptoms, and whether pregnancy is relevant.

Prevent further mosquito bites by using repellent as directed, wearing covering clothing, and staying in screened or air-conditioned spaces where possible. Avoid donating blood until a clinician advises it is appropriate. Use condoms or avoid sex while you seek individual advice, especially if you or a partner is pregnant or could become pregnant. Write down travel dates, symptom onset, medicines taken, and any pregnancy-related information before your appointment.

Arrange prompt medical advice if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, have a pregnant partner, or develop symptoms after travel to an area where mosquito-borne infections occur. Seek urgent care for severe headache, confusion, trouble breathing, fainting, persistent vomiting, marked weakness, or signs of dehydration. Fever after travel can have several causes, so assessment should not be delayed if you feel unwell.

Ask whether testing is useful for your timing and symptoms, which medicines are suitable for fever or pain, how to prevent onward transmission, and what precautions apply to pregnancy planning. A clinician can also advise whether other travel-related infections need consideration.