16077 Zika Virus

Overview

Zika virus is a viral infection spread mainly by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. Most people who catch it feel only mild symptoms for a few days, or no symptoms at all. The main concern is that infection during pregnancy can harm the unborn baby, so it is especially important for pregnant women to avoid mosquito bites and get advice before travelling to affected areas.

Zika is not common in the UK. It makes headlines when outbreaks occur in other parts of the world, such as the Americas in 2015–2016. The virus is still present in some tropical and subtropical countries, so travellers should check current advice before they go.

Anyone who is bitten by an infected mosquito can get Zika. It affects men and women of all ages. The people most affected by serious outcomes are unborn babies of pregnant women. Adults can rarely develop a nerve condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Fever, usually mild
• Itchy rash
• Joint pain, especially in the hands and feet
• Red or bloodshot eyes
• Muscle aches and headache
• Extreme tiredness

Symptoms in children

• Irritability or unusual sleepiness
• Mild fever
• A spotty rash
• Joint discomfort
• Red eyes or sensitivity to light

Symptoms in older adults

• More noticeable joint aches and stiffness
• Longer fatigue after other symptoms settle
• In rare cases, weakness or tingling in the arms and legs, which needs urgent medical attention

Causes

Main causes

• Infection with the Zika virus, usually caught through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito
• Passed from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby
• Passed through sex without a condom with someone who has the virus, as the virus can stay in semen for weeks
• Rarely, passed through a blood transfusion

Risk factors

• Travelling to or living in areas where Zika outbreaks have occurred
• Being bitten by mosquitoes in tropical or subtropical regions
• Having sex without a condom with someone who has recently travelled to an affected area
• Being pregnant and travelling to a Zika-affected region
• Living in places with standing water or many mosquitoes

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You are pregnant and have symptoms or have been in an affected area, even with no symptoms
• You develop spreading weakness, tingling, or trouble moving your arms or legs
• You have a high fever that is not improving, or you cannot keep fluids down

Book a routine appointment if:

• You have mild symptoms and are not pregnant, but want to find out if it is Zika
• You are planning a pregnancy and have recently returned from an affected area
• Your symptoms last longer than two weeks

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, where you have travelled and whether mosquitoes bit you. Because Zika can be hard to tell apart from other mosquito-borne illnesses, a laboratory test is used to confirm it.

Tests that may be done

• Blood test
• Urine test
• Sometimes a second blood test to look for antibodies your body has made

What to expect at your appointment

You may need to wait days or longer for results. If you are pregnant, the doctor will talk through what the result may mean for your baby and what extra scans or monitoring could be arranged. You will not be left to manage alone.

Treatment

There is no specific medicine that kills the Zika virus. Care is about helping your body rest and recover while lowering fever and pain safely. Most people get better at home.

Self-care at home

• Rest until the fever and joint pain settle
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration
• Use a simple pain and fever reliever if a doctor or pharmacist says it is safe for you
• Avoid mosquito bites while you are unwell, so the virus is not passed on to mosquitoes
• Use condoms or avoid sex as long as your local health service advises if you or your partner have travelled

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend medicines for fever and pain based on your situation. Pregnant women may have regular scans to monitor the baby. In rare cases, hospital care is needed for complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, where treatment focuses on supporting breathing and movement.

Living with this condition

For most people, Zika is a short-lived illness. Give yourself time to rest, drink fluids, and gradually return to normal activities as symptoms ease. Follow your healthcare team's advice about follow-up appointments, especially after pregnancy exposure.

Lifestyle tips

• Sleep under a mosquito net or use screens if visiting an affected area
• Wear long sleeves and trousers where Zika is present
• Use mosquito repellent as directed
• Empty and clean standing water around your home to reduce mosquito breeding areas
• Use condoms for the recommended time after travel to an affected area

Diet and exercise

Eat gentle, balanced meals to support your energy levels. When the fever has gone, light activity like short walks may help with joint stiffness. Do not push yourself if you feel weak.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

For pregnant women and people planning a pregnancy, a Zika diagnosis can bring worry and anxiety. These feelings are understandable. If you are feeling low or overwhelmed, talk to your GP, midwife, or a counsellor. In a crisis, reach out to local mental health crisis support or call your local emergency number.

Prevention

Yes. Although there is no vaccine, you can reduce the risk of Zika by carefully preventing mosquito bites, especially during the day, and by protecting sexual partners. Pregnant women should avoid non-essential travel to affected areas.

Vaccines

There is currently no licensed Zika vaccine available to the public. Scientists are working on one, but for now prevention is the best approach.

Screening programmes

Routine screening is not recommended for everyone. If you are pregnant and have been to a Zika-affected region, your midwife or doctor can discuss whether testing or extra scans could help.

Complications

If left untreated

• Congenital Zika syndrome in babies, including problems with brain development, an unusually small head, and eye or joint problems
• Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare nerve condition that can cause weakness and sometimes temporary paralysis
• Miscarriage or stillbirth in rare cases of infection during pregnancy

Long-term outlook

The outlook is generally very good. Most adults and children fully recover with no after-effects. Although infection during pregnancy is serious, many affected pregnancies still have healthy outcomes when parents receive careful monitoring and support. Talk to a healthcare professional who can give you personalised information.

Find support

International organisations

• World Health Organization ↗
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ↗

Local organisations

• NHS ↗ · United Kingdom

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