ZIKA VIRUS

Overview & Facts

  • Zika virus disease is mainly spread by mosquitoes. For most people it is a very mild infection and isn’t harmful.
  • It may be more serious for pregnant women, as it’s been linked to birth defects.
  • Zika outbreaks have been reported in the Pacific region, and the virus has now spread to South and Central America and the Caribbean.
  • There have been reports that the Zika virus may spread through sexual intercourse, although the risk is thought to be very low.
  • A small number of cases have occurred by transmission from an expectant mother to her unborn child via the placenta.

Types & Symptoms

Most people don’t have any symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and last around two to seven days. Commonly reported symptoms include:

  • a mild fever
  • joint pain (with possible swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet)
  • itching
  • rash, which is sometimes itchy
  • conjunctivitis (red eyes)
  • headache
  • eye pain

Diagnosis & Medications

  • Diagnosis is usually confirmed through Zika Testing.
  • There is no specific treatment for Zika virus symptoms.
    • Drinking plenty of water and taking paracetamol may help relieve symptoms.
    • If you feel unwell after returning from a country that has malaria as well as an ongoing outbreak of Zika virus, you should seek urgent (same day) advice to help rule out a malaria diagnosis.
    • If you remain unwell and malaria has been shown not to be the cause, seek medical advice.

What if I’m worried that my baby has been affected by Zika?

  • Speak to your midwife or doctor for advice. If you are still concerned after receiving assurances from your healthcare professional and feel anxious or stressed more than usual, you can ask your GP or midwife for referral to further counselling.

Reducing your risk of Zika virus infection 

  • Before travelling, seek travel health advice from your doctor or a travel clinic ideally six to eight weeks before you go.
  • Using insect repellent that contains DEET (N, N-diethyl-meta-toluamide)on exposed skin, after sunscreen has been applied. DEET can be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women in concentrations up to 50%, and in infants and children older than two months. It should not be used on babies younger than two months.
  • Wearing loose clothing that covers your arms and legs.
  • Sleeping under a mosquito net in areas where malaria is also a risk.

Zika virus and Guillain-Barré syndrome

  • There appears to be an association between Zika virus outbreaks and the occurrence of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious condition of the nervous system. The risk of developing GBS following a Zika virus infection is currently unknown, but thought to be very low.

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