Zika virus

How you catch Zika virus infection

Most cases of Zika virus disease are spread by infected mosquitoes biting humans. Unlike the mosquitoes that spread malaria, affected mosquitoes (the Aedes mosquito) are most active during the day, especially during mid-morning, then late-afternoon to dusk.

There have been a small number of reports of Zika virusbeing passed onthrough sexual intercourse, although the risk is thought to be low.

Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018

Articles for zika virus

Introduction

Information about Zika virus and advice on travelling to an affected area.

Symptoms of Zika virus infection

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: rash itching all over the body fever heada

How you catch Zika virus infection

Reducing your risk of Zika virus infection

Before travelling, seek travel health advice from your GP/practice nurse or a travel clinic ideally four to six weeks before you go. You can use this A to Z guide to check if the country you are vis

Advice for pregnant women

Scientists believe that there is enough evidence to show that Zika virus infection is a cause of birth defects,including microcephaly (this means the baby will have an abnormally small head and can be

Advice for womentrying to get pregnant

If you are trying to get pregnant, discuss your travel plans with your GP, practice nurse or travel clinic. You should take extra care to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. It is recommended that you

How Zika virus infection is treated

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

Zika virus and blood donation

As a precaution, the NHS Blood and Transplant service has recommended that people who have travelled to areas with active Zika virus transmission wait 28 days before donating blood. If you want to k

Zika virus andGuillain-Barr syndrome

Scientists now believe that Zika virus is a cause of Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS), a serious condition of the nervous system. The risk of developing GBS following a Zika virus infection is currently

Information about you

If you have been infected with Zika virus, your clinical team will pass information about you on to the National Congenital Anomaly and Rare Diseases Registration Service (NCARDRS). This helps scient