What should you know about Zika virus and chikungunya?

Both illnesses can follow bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes and may cause fever, rash, headache, red eyes, muscle aches or joint pain. Joint symptoms can be particularly troublesome with chikungunya and may continue after the initial illness, while Zika is a particular concern in pregnancy and may also spread through sex. The same symptoms can occur with other infections, including illnesses that require different tests or treatment, so symptoms alone cannot confirm the cause.

Rest, drink fluids and keep a record of symptoms, travel dates, countries visited and mosquito bites. Before taking pain medicines, speak with a clinician or pharmacist if you have fever after travel, because some infections need to be excluded before particular medicines are suitable. Reduce mosquito bites while unwell, as this can help limit onward spread in places where the relevant mosquitoes are present. Avoid sex or use condoms if Zika exposure is a concern.

Seek medical advice promptly for fever or rash after international travel, particularly during pregnancy or if pregnancy is possible. Get urgent help for severe headache, confusion, fainting, breathing problems, chest pain, ongoing vomiting, unusual bleeding or marked weakness. Painful or swollen joints that interfere with walking or everyday tasks also warrant assessment. Explain your recent travel at the start of the consultation.

Ask which infections fit your itinerary, whether testing is indicated, and which pain-relief options are appropriate for you. Discuss pregnancy plans, sexual transmission precautions and a plan for persistent joint symptoms if chikungunya is suspected.