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Zika virus

8-minute read

Key facts

  • Zika virus spreads mainly via infected mosquitoes.
  • Symptoms of Zika virus are usually mild — most people with the virus don't have any symptoms at all.
  • If you are pregnant and catch Zika virus, you can transmit the infection to your unborn baby, which can be very dangerous.
  • There is no vaccine or treatment available for Zika virus.
  • The best prevention is to avoid mosquito bites in areas with known outbreaks.

What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne disease. This means it is mainly spread through bites from infected mosquitos. It can also be transmitted sexually or from parent to baby during pregnancy or birth.

The symptoms are usually mild, but the disease can be dangerous for unborn babies.

The virus was first identified in Africa, but has since spread to other regions. There have been outbreaks in central and southern America and the Pacific Islands.

There are no reported outbreaks of Zika virus in Australia, but mosquitos that can transmit the virus are present. If someone infected overseas enters Australia, they may spread the virus. Public health authorities around the world are closely monitoring the spread of Zika virus.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus?

Most people with Zika virus don't notice any symptoms. Only about 1 in 5 people who catch the virus will experience flu-like symptoms, such as:

You may also feel tired and have low energy after your initial symptoms improve.

If you develop symptoms, they usually start about 3 to 12 days after infection, and only last a few days.

CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS — Use the Symptom Checker and find out if you need to seek medical help.

When should I see my doctor?

Speak to your doctor if you flu-like symptoms after returning from areas where Zika is present. You should mention your overseas travel.

The symptoms of Zika virus can be similar to those of other mosquito-borne infections.

Even if you don't have symptoms, if you have recently travelled to a Zika affected area, you should visit your doctor to discuss testing and prevention of transmission if you are:

FIND A HEALTH SERVICE — The Service Finder can help you find doctors, pharmacies, hospitals and other health services.

Zika virus is a notifiable virus. If you are infected your doctor will notify the Department of Health and Aged Care so they can try to control the virus' spread and reduce its effect on the community.

How is Zika virus diagnosed?

A blood or urine test can be used to diagnose the infection by detecting the virus or antibodies made by your body against the virus.

How is Zika virus treated?

There is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection.

If you have the virus, make sure you rest and drink plenty of water. Medicines are available to treat any pain and fever. If your symptoms become more severe, see your doctor.

You should speak to your doctor before taking any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen. This is because some viruses can increase the risk of bleeding, especially in combination with NSAIDs.

What are the complications of Zika virus?

Zika virus is linked to a rare paralysing condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome. This only affects a small number of people infected with the Zika virus.

Unborn babies who catch Zika virus are at risk of birth defects such as >microcephaly, which affects the growth and development of the baby's head and brain.

Can Zika virus be prevented?

There is no vaccine available to prevent infection with Zika virus. The best way to prevent Zika virus is to avoid visiting regions where there is a risk of being infected.

If you are in areas with known outbreaks, try to avoid being bitten by mosquitos. Here are some ways to protect yourself:

  • Cover up as much skin as possible with loose, light-fitting clothes.
  • Stay inside in the early morning or at dusk, when mosquitos are most active.
  • Screen windows, doors and vents in living areas or tents, if camping.
  • Use insect repellent when you are outside and there are mosquitoes around.
  • Use other mosquito protective devices such as sprays or coils.

You can find more information on the Queensland Government webpage on preventing mosquito borne diseases.

You can also prevent the spread of mosquitos by preparing your home to avoid mosquito breeding. Read more on HealthyWA's prevent mosquito bites at home.

Pregnancy and Zika virus infection

If you are pregnant, Zika virus can be passed from you to your baby. This can cause potentially serious consequences for the baby, in particular microcephaly — a condition in which the baby is born with a small head and intellectual disability.

The Department of Health advises anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy to consider delaying travelling to countries where the virus outbreak has been detected.

If you cannot avoid travelling to a Zika-affected region, take precautions to prevent being bitten by mosquitos.

You should also make sure to use condoms during sex while in the affected region to avoid catching Zika virus via sexual contact. If you are planning a pregnancy, it's recommended wait 6 months after leaving the affected area to try and conceive, even if you had no symptoms. The Zika virus can stay in your body for up to 6 months.

Read more about the Zika virus and pregnancy on the Department of Health's website.

Which countries have Zika virus outbreaks?

There is a possible risk of Zika in parts of Africa, South and Central America, Asia, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and in Mexico.

For an up-to-date list of countries with a risk of Zika, check the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

There have been no reported cases of Zika being contracted in Australia, but some travellers have returned with the virus from overseas in recent years.

Resources and support

Guidelines for travellers

If you are planning to travel overseas, consult appropriate travel health advice and check smartraveller.org.au.

If you have recently returned from overseas and want to donate blood, the Australian Red Cross Lifeblood has updated information at donating after travelling. This is also relevant for sperm donation.

If you travel to areas with Zika virus, you should follow guidelines to prevent mosquito bites.

Looking for information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people?

NSW Health provides mosquito-borne disease resources for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people.

Do you prefer to read in languages other than English?

NSW Health also provides translated resources for mosquito-borne diseases and how to protect yourself.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: August 2024


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