Symptoms of Zika virus are typically mild and may include fever, rash, and joint pain. For most people, symptoms are not harmful, but the virus can lead to serious complications if you’re pregnant.

Zika virus can be spread through sexual transmission, maternal to fetal, blood transfusion. or the bite of ​Aedes​ mosquito, which can be found in certain regions, such as:

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

The mosquitoes are typically active during the day. Most people who are bitten by an infected mosquito experience very mild symptoms, or no symptoms at all.

While complications are rare, getting the virus while you are pregnant can carry serious risks such as birth defects or, in some cases, stillbirth.

When traveling to an area with a risk of Zika, it’s important to use preventive measures to minimize your risk of infection.

Learn more about the symptoms of Zika virus, what preventive measures can help, and when you should speak with a doctor.

For around 80% of people, Zika virus causes no symptoms or mild symptoms, such as:

In most cases, Zika symptoms typically last between two and seven days.

  • you have travelled to or returned from a country with a Zika virus risk and are experiencing symptoms
  • you have had sexual contact with someone who has traveled to an affected area
  • you or your partner have recently returned from an affected area and you are pregnant

A healthcare professional can test your blood or urine to confirm if you have Zika virus. Early identification can help reduce the risk of any complications, such as the development of Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious neurological condition.

Zika virus and pregnancy

Zika virus can result in serious complications if you are pregnant, and may lead to:

If you are pregnant and traveling to an area with a risk of Zika, it’s important to use preventive measures to minimize your risk of infection.

There is no specific treatment option for Zika virus, and symptoms typically resolve on their own within two to seven days.

Instead, treatment focuses on providing relief from symptoms, such as:

  • taking over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as acetaminophen to help reduce any pain or a fever
  • getting plenty of rest
  • staying hydrated

It’s important to avoid taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen unless dengue fever has been ruled out, as it can increase your risk of bleeding.

If your symptoms do not get any better after a week or are getting worse, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional.

Preventing Zika virus

When travelling to a country with a risk of Zika virus, it’s important to take certain preventive measures to reduce your chance of an infection.

This can include preventing mosquito bites by:

  • using an insect repellant
  • wearing protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts
  • using window screens and netting when indoors

If you or your partner has travelled to or is returning from an affected country, it’s important to use condoms or avoid having sex for three months to avoid getting or passing on the infection.

Symptoms of Zika virus are typically mild and may include fever, rash, and joint pain. In most cases, Zika symptoms typically last between two and seven days.

While serious complications are rare, getting the virus while you are pregnant can carry serious risks.

You should speak with a healthcare professional if:

  • you have travelled to or returned from a country with Zika virus risk and are experiencing symptoms
  • you or your partner have recently returned from an affected area and you are pregnant
  • you have had sexual contact with someone who has traveled to an affected area

If your symptoms do not improve after a week or are worsening, speak with a healthcare professional.