Who should be concerned about Zika?

Zika is primarily associated with mosquito exposure in places where the virus is transmitted, and it can also be passed through sex. A person may have no symptoms, while others develop fever, rash, red eyes, headache or joint pain. These symptoms are not specific to Zika, so a clinician uses travel and exposure history alongside the illness pattern.

Pregnant people and people considering pregnancy need particular attention because infection during pregnancy can affect fetal development. A partner's relevant travel or possible infection is also important, since sexual transmission can occur.

Speak with a GP or travel-health clinician if you have returned from an affected area, are planning travel, or had sexual contact with someone who may have been exposed. Note countries visited, travel dates, mosquito bites, any symptoms and the timing of sexual contact. This information makes advice more precise.

If pregnancy is possible, tell the clinician before travelling or as soon as you learn of an exposure. Use bite-prevention measures during travel and ask for individual guidance about sexual precautions after travel.

Arrange prompt advice for fever, rash, red eyes, headache or joint pain after relevant travel. Seek urgent help for confusion, weakness on one side, difficulty speaking, breathing problems, severe dehydration, collapse, or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction. Pregnant people should also seek urgent assessment for bleeding or severe abdominal pain.

Ask whether your destination or timing counts as exposure, which symptoms need monitoring, and whether tests are appropriate. If you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, ask how this changes advice for you and your partner.