Zika virus
Zika virus disease is mainly spread by mosquitoes. For most people it's a very mild infection and is not harmful.
But it may be more serious for pregnant women, as there’s evidence it causes birth defects – in particular, abnormally small heads (microcephaly).
Symptoms of Zika virus infection
Most people have minimal symptoms or no symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they’re usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days.
Commonly reported symptoms include:
- a rash
- itching all over the body
- a high temperature
- a headache
- joint pain (with possible swelling, mainly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet)
- muscle pain
- conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- lower back pain
- pain behind the eyes
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.
Advice for pregnant women
Scientists have concluded that there’s enough evidence to show that Zika virus infection is a cause of birth defects, including microcephaly.
Microcephaly means the baby will have an abnormally small head and can be associated with abnormal brain development. This is also known as congenital Zika syndrome.
