Zika virus

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease. This means it is mainly spread through bites from infected mosquitoes.

Infection during pregnancy can lead to serious complications for an unborn baby.

Which countries have Zika virus outbreaks?

There is a possible risk of Zika in parts of:

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

There are no reported outbreaks of Zika virus in Australia. Mosquitoes that can transmit the virus are present in some parts of Australia. If a person infected overseas enters Australia, the virus could potentially spread. Public health authorities closely monitor the spread of Zika virus around the world.

Many people with Zika have no symptoms or only mild illness. Symptoms may include:

• fever
• rash
• headache
• joint pain, muscle pain, eye pain or abdominal (tummy) pain
• conjunctivitis
• weakness or low energy

Symptoms usually start 3 to 12 days after infection and last about 4 to 7 days.

The symptoms of Zika virus can be similar to those of other mosquito-borne infections such as dengue fever and chikungunya virus.

Zika virus is spread mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito.

It can also spread through:

• sexual contact
• blood transfusions
• from a pregnant person to their baby during pregnancy or birth

You cannot catch Zika virus through casual contact with another person.

Speak to your doctor if you have flu-like symptoms during or after returning from an area where Zika virus is present. Be sure to mention any overseas travel.

Seek medical attention if your symptoms get worse.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy

Even if you don't have symptoms, see your doctor if you have recently travelled to a Zika-affected area. Discuss testing and ways to reduce the chance of passing on the virus if you are:

• pregnant
• planning a pregnancy
• the partner of someone who is pregnant

A blood or urine test can be used to diagnose the infection. These tests can detect the virus or antibodies made by your body in response to the infection.

Zika virus is a notifiable infection. If you are diagnosed with Zika virus, your doctor will notify the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing. This helps authorities monitor the virus and reduce its impact on the community.

There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection.

If you have the virus, get plenty of rest and drink plenty of water. Medicines may help relieve symptoms such as pain and fever. See your doctor if your symptoms become more severe.

Speak to your doctor before taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. This is because some viral infections can increase the risk of bleeding.

Zika virus is linked to a rare condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome. This can cause muscle weakness and paralysis. It affects only a small number of people infected with Zika virus.

If a pregnant person is infected with Zika virus, their baby may have a higher chance of birth differences. These can include microcephaly (Opens in new tab) — a condition that affects the growth and development (Opens in new tab) of the baby's head and brain.

There is no vaccine available to prevent Zika virus infection. The best way to prevent Zika virus is to avoid mosquito bites and practise safe sex.

If you are travelling to or living in an area where Zika virus is present, take steps to protect yourself from mosquito bites:

• Wear loose, light-coloured clothing that covers as much skin as possible.
• Stay inside in the early morning or at dusk, when mosquitoes are most active.
• Use bed or mosquito nets if needed.
• Use an effective insect repellent (Opens in new tab) and follow the directions on the product label.
• Remove or avoid standing water where mosquitoes can breed.
• Use condoms to reduce the risk of sexual transmission.
• Insect repellents containing DEET or picaridin are also safe during pregnancy, breastfeeding and for children older than 2 months.
• Read more about general travel health advice.
• Read more about travel and pregnancy (Opens in new tab).

Sexual transmission and Zika virus infection

Zika virus can spread through sexual contact, even if an infected person has no symptoms. Use condoms while travelling in areas where Zika virus is present to reduce the risk of infection. After you return, follow current public health advice on safe sex practices.

Pregnancy and Zika virus infection

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, consider delaying travel to countries where there are Zika virus outbreaks.

If you cannot avoid travelling to a Zika-affected region, take steps to prevent mosquito bites.

If you are planning a pregnancy and have travelled to a Zika-affected area, speak to your doctor before trying to get pregnant. After returning from a Zika-affected area or being diagnosed with Zika virus, males should use condoms or avoid sex for 6 months, and females should use condoms or avoid sex for 8 weeks.

You can find more information about Zika virus infection (Opens in new tab) on the Australian Centre for Disease Control website.

For an up-to-date list of countries with a risk of Zika, check the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention website (Opens in new tab).

You can find more information on the Queensland Government webpage on preventing mosquito-borne diseases (Opens in new tab).

You can help prevent mosquito breeding around your home. Read more on HealthyWA's prevent mosquito bites at home (Opens in new tab) webpage.

Find information on staying safe around mosquitoes on Mozzies Suck (Opens in new tab).

For more on mosquito repellents, visit the Victorian Government's insect repellent website (Opens in new tab).

If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or have concerns about Zika virus exposure, call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 or video call (Opens in new tab) to speak to a maternal child health nurse. Available from 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week (including public holidays).

Guidelines for travellers

If you are planning to travel overseas, consult appropriate travel health advice and check Smartraveller (Opens in new tab).

If you have recently returned from overseas and want to donate blood, visit the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood webpage on donating blood after travelling (Opens in new tab). This advice also applies to sperm donation.

Languages other than English

NSW Health provides translated resources about mosquito-borne diseases (Opens in new tab) and how to protect yourself (Opens in new tab).

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

NSW Health provides mosquito-borne disease resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples (Opens in new tab).