Signs Of Zika Virus And Preventions
Understand Zika virus symptoms, how it spreads, and key prevention tips to protect yourself and your family from infection.
Written by Dr. Md Yusuf Shareef
Reviewed by Dr. Shaik Abdul Kalam MD (Physician)
Last updated on 11th Sep, 2025
Introduction
The Zika virus, once an obscure pathogen, emerged as a global public health emergency, striking fear into communities and most notably, expectant parents. Transmitted by the relentless Aedes aegypti mosquito, this virus is often mild for most but can have devastating consequences. Understanding the signs of Zika virus and implementing robust preventions is not just about personal health; it's a community-wide responsibility. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from identifying the often subtle symptoms to the most effective strategies to protect yourself and your loved ones from this mosquito-borne illness. We'll cover how it spreads, who is most at risk, and the critical steps to take if you suspect an infection.
What is the Zika Virus?
Zika is a flavivirus, part of the same family as dengue, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. It was first identified in Uganda's Zika Forest in 1947 but remained largely confined to a narrow equatorial belt in Africa and Asia for decades. The virus gained international notoriety during a major outbreak in the Americas in 2015-2016, which revealed its terrifying link to severe birth defects.
Origins and Global Spread
The journey of Zika from a localised curiosity to a global health threat is a classic example of how travel and climate can influence disease spread. The 2015 outbreak in Brazil was a watershed moment, as researchers quickly established a connection between Zika infection during pregnancy and a condition called microcephaly in newborns. This prompted the World Health Organisation (WHO) to declare a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, galvanising worldwide efforts to control its spread and understand its complications.
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Primary Modes of Transmission
Knowing how Zika spreads is the first step in effective prevention. The primary vector is the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which is also responsible for spreading dengue and chikungunya.
Mosquito Bites: The Main Culprit
The cycle begins when a mosquito bites an infected person. The virus then multiplies inside the mosquito and can be transmitted to the next person it bites. These mosquitoes are aggressive daytime biters, with peak activity during early morning and late afternoon, though they can also bite at night. They typically live near people, breeding in small, standing water sources like buckets, planters, animal dishes, and discarded tires.
Other Transmission Routes
While mosquito bites are the most common method, other routes are significant:
- Mother-to-Child: A pregnant woman can pass the virus to her foetus during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
- Sexual Contact: Zika can be transmitted through unprotected sex (vaginal, anal, and oral) from a person who has Zika to their partners, even if the infected person doesn’t have symptoms at the time.
- Blood Transfusion: Several cases of transmission through blood transfusion have been reported, leading to enhanced
screening procedures in many countries.
Recognising the Signs and Symptoms of Zika
One of the biggest challenges with Zika virus diagnosis is that a majority of infected people, approximately 80%, show no symptoms at all. This asymptomatic nature allows the virus to spread silently.
Common Symptoms in Adults
For those who do develop signs, the illness is usually mild and lasts for several days to a week. The most common symptoms of Zika virus include:
- Fever: Often low-grade (not very high).
- Rash: A widespread maculopapular rash (flat red areas with small bumps) that often starts on the face and spreads.
- Arthralgia (Joint Pain): Particularly in the smaller joints of the hands and feet.
- Conjunctivitis (Red Eyes): Non-purulent, meaning without pus.
- Muscle pain and headache are also frequently reported.
These symptoms are very similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, making clinical diagnosis difficult without specific testing.
Severe Complications and Long-Term Risks
The acute illness may be mild, but the potential complications are what make Zika a serious concern.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)
In rare cases, Zika infection has been linked to GBS, a rare neurological disorder where the body's immune system attacks its own nerves. This can lead to muscle weakness and, in severe cases, paralysis that requires hospitalisation.
Microcephaly and Birth Defects
This is the most devastating complication. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause severe brain defects in the developing foetus, including microcephaly (a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than expected), along with other problems like eye defects, hearing loss, and impaired growth. These congenital complications have long-term, often lifelong, consequences for the child.
How is Zika Virus Diagnosed?
If you have symptoms and have recently traveled to an area with known Zika transmission, it's crucial to see a doctor. Zika virus diagnosis is based on:
- Travel History: Your doctor will ask about recent travel.
- Symptoms: Discussion of your clinical signs.
- Lab Tests: Blood or urine tests can detect the virus's genetic material (PCR test) in the early stages of infection. Serology
tests can look for antibodies a bit later, but they can cross-react with other flaviviruses like dengue, sometimes
complicating the diagnosis.
If you are pregnant and develop symptoms consistent with Zika or have had possible exposure, consult a doctor online with Apollo24|7 for further evaluation and guidance on testing.
Top 10 Prevention Strategies to Avoid Zika Virus
Since there is no specific antiviral treatment or commercially available vaccine, prevention of Zika virus is entirely dependent on avoiding mosquito bites and controlling transmission routes.
Personal Mosquito Bite Prevention
This is your first and most important line of defense.
1. Use EPA-Registered Insect Repellents: Products containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus (para-menthane-diol) are effective. Always follow label instructions.
2. Wear Protective Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, especially during peak biting times. Treat
clothing and gear with permethrin, but do not apply permethrin directly to skin.
3. Control Mosquitoes Indoors: Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. Use a mosquito bed net if sleeping in an unscreened room.
Mosquito Control at Home and in the Community
Mosquitoes that spread Zika live near people. Eliminate their breeding grounds:
4. Empty Standing Water: Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover, or throw out items that hold water (tires, buckets, planters, pools, birdbaths).
5. Support Community Spraying: Support local government or community-based programs to spray insecticides to kill adult mosquitoes.
Safe Sexual Practices
Practicing safe sexual habits is key in reducing the risk of Zika transmission.
6. Use Condoms: If you or your partner has traveled to an area with Zika, use condoms correctly every time you have sex or do not have sex for the appropriate period. The CDC recommends waiting at least 3 months after symptoms start (or last possible exposure) for men and 2 months for women before trying to conceive.
Travel Precautions for High-Risk Areas
If you are visiting regions where Zika is common, taking extra care is essential.
7. Check Travel Advisories: Before traveling, check the CDC or WHO websites for current Zika travel notices.
8. Pregnant Women Should Postpone Travel: The CDC advises pregnant women to avoid travel to areas with a Zika outbreak.
9. Protect Yourself During Travel: Be extra vigilant with repellent and clothing if you must travel to a risk area.
10. Prevent Sexual Transmission After Travel: Follow safe sex practices for several months after returning from an area with risk of Zika, even if you don’t feel sick.
Treatment and Management
There is no specific medicine or vaccine for Zika. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms.
Supportive Care at Home
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) to reduce fever and pain.
Medications to Use and Avoid
Avoid aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen and naproxen until dengue can be ruled out. Taking these with dengue can increase the risk of bleeding.
If your symptoms are severe or persist, book a physical visit to a doctor with Apollo24|7 to rule out other conditions and receive appropriate care.
Conclusion
The Zika virus serves as a powerful reminder of our interconnected world and the persistent threat of vector-borne diseases. While the global emergency status has been lifted, the virus continues to circulate, and vigilance remains paramount. By recognising the often-mild signs of Zika and, more importantly, committing to thorough prevention from diligent mosquito bite avoidance to safe sexual practices, we can protect ourselves and our communities. Knowledge and proactive action are our most effective tools. If you are planning a pregnancy or are pregnant, staying informed about travel risks and consulting with healthcare professionals is non-negotiable. Your health and the health of your future family depend on it.
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Dr. Harshendra Jaiswal
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine)
Kolkata
108 DHANA DHANVANTARI Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Divyashree K
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Swagata Sircar
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
Dr. Smitha Nagaraj
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
Consult a General Physician for the best advice
Dr. Harshendra Jaiswal
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
12 Years • MBBS , MD (General medicine)
Kolkata
108 DHANA DHANVANTARI Clinic, Kolkata
(25+ Patients)
Dr. Divyashree K
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
Apollo Clinic, JP nagar, Bengaluru
Dr. Swagata Sircar
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
8 Years • MBBS, MD General Medicine
Kolkata
HealthYou Speciality Clinic & Diagnostics., Kolkata
Dr. Smitha Nagaraj
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
15 Years • MBBS, Diploma in Family Medicine
Bengaluru
Apollo Medical Center, Marathahalli, Bengaluru
Dr. Anand Ravi
General Physician
2 Years • MBBS
Bengaluru
PRESTIGE SHANTHINIKETAN - SOCIETY CLINIC, Bengaluru
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Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you get Zika virus more than once?
Current evidence suggests that once a person is infected, they are likely to be protected from future infections by developing immunity. There is no evidence yet that a person can get Zika twice.
2. How long should I wait to get pregnant after possible Zika exposure?
The CDC recommends that women with possible Zika exposure wait at least 2 months after symptoms start (or last possible exposure) before trying to conceive. Men should wait at least 3 months.
3. Is it safe to use insect repellent during pregnancy?
Yes, it is not only safe but highly recommended. Using an EPA-registered insect repellent is crucial for protecting pregnant women from mosquito bites that could transmit Zika. Always follow the product label instructions.
4. What should I do if I think I have Zika?
See a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms and have recently traveled to an area with Zika. Get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and take acetaminophen for fever and pain. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.
5. Where is the Zika virus found today?
Zika continues to be a risk in many parts of the world, including parts of Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, Central and South America, and the Pacific Islands. The risk changes over time, so always check the latest travel health notices before any international trip.