Zika virus

Check if you're at risk of Zika virus

Zika virus is usually caught by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Very rarely, you can get the virus by having sex with someone who has it.

Zika virus is found in parts of:

• South and Central America
• the Caribbean
• the Pacific islands
• Africa
• Asia

The type of mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not found in the UK.

How to avoid Zika virus

If you're travelling to an area where Zika virus is found, get advice from your GP surgery, a pharmacy or travel clinic before you go.

It's best to do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, but you can still get advice at the last minute if you need to.

There are things you can do to avoid getting Zika virus while you're travelling.

Symptoms of Zika virus

Most people have few or no symptoms if they get Zika virus.

If you do have symptoms, they're usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days.

The most common symptoms include:

• a high temperature
• a headache
• sore, red eyes
• swollen joints and joint and muscle pain
• lower back pain
• a rash and itching all over the body

Treatments for Zika virus

There are no specific treatments for Zika virus.

If you have symptoms, you should:

• get plenty of rest
• drink lots of fluids
• take pain relief, such as paracetamol

If you're pregnant and have Zika virus, your midwife or hospital doctor (obstetrician) will talk about the risk with you.

They may arrange a blood test and an ultrasound scan to check your baby's growth and development.

You may also be referred to a specialist for more monitoring.

Complications of Zika virus

Problems during and after pregnancy

Zika virus can cause serious problems during and after pregnancy, such as:

• loss of the baby before birth
• premature birth
• stillbirth
• problems with the baby’s brain, hearing and eyesight
• the baby having an unusually small head (microcephaly)

If there's a chance you or your partner could get pregnant, you should:

• use condoms when having sex in an area where Zika virus is found
• continue to use condoms for 3 months if both you and your male partner have returned from a country with a Zika virus risk, or if your male partner has returned after travelling alone
• continue to use condoms for 2 months if you're female and you've returned from a country with a Zika virus risk after travelling alone

If you or your partner are already pregnant, use condoms during and after your visit to a country with a Zika virus risk and for the rest of your pregnancy.

Speak to your midwife or doctor for advice if you're worried your unborn baby may be affected by Zika virus.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

Rarely, Zika virus can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious condition that affects the nervous system.

Anyone can get Guillain-Barré syndrome, but it mainly affects adults and older children.