What to know about a Zika mosquito bite

Many mosquito bites cause only a small itchy or swollen area. Zika is transmitted by an infected mosquito, so the appearance of a bite cannot distinguish it from any other mosquito bite. Zika infection may cause a rash, fever, joint pain, red eyes, headache, or muscle aches, but some people feel well. Similar symptoms can occur with other infections, including illnesses that need different care.

Avoid scratching the area and use simple measures such as a cool compress for local irritation. Continue bite prevention so another mosquito cannot bite you, particularly while travelling. Keep a note of your symptoms, when they started, medicines taken, and the places you visited. Do not use aspirin or anti-inflammatory pain medicines for a feverish travel-related illness until a clinician has considered causes such as dengue.

Contact a GP if illness develops after travel to a place where Zika may circulate, or if you are worried about an exposure. Contact a clinician promptly if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, or your partner is pregnant. Get urgent help for fainting, severe abdominal pain, bleeding, confusion, marked weakness, breathing problems, or inability to keep fluids down.

You can ask whether your travel history changes the possible causes of your symptoms, whether a test is useful, and which medicines are appropriate while the cause is being checked. Ask about safer sex and pregnancy precautions if they apply to you.