ZIKA

What is it

Zika virus spreads to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedesspecies mosquito.¹ The mosquitoes that can become infected with and spread Zika live in many parts of the world.¹ Areas with risk of Zika virus include South America, Africa and South Asia.²

Who is at risk

Pregnant women and women planning pregnancy in the near future are at higher risk because infection with the virus during pregnancy (and up to 8 weeks before pregnancy) can cause severe abnormalities in the brain and nervous system of the fetus.³

What are the symptoms

Many people infected with Zika virus won’t have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms.1 Symptoms usually appear between 3 to 12 days after infection and lasts for 2 to 7 days.4 The most common symptoms include:⁴

Low grade fever (38.5^oC or lower)
A flat, red rash on the skin covered with small bumps
General weakness, lack of energy
Short term muscle or joint pain
Possible joint swelling, mainly in smaller joints of hands and feet

How is it spread

Zika virus is primarily transmitted to people through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito.¹ Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to others through bites.¹

The Zika virus can also by spread by:¹

An infected, pregnant woman to her developing fetus
Sexual transmission from a person who has Zika to his or her partners
Through blood transfusions

There have been no reports to date of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding.⁵

How is it prevented

No specific vaccine for the prevention of Zika virus.¹

Prevent Zika by avoiding mosquito bites at all times when travelling to countries/areas with reported Zika virus.⁵
Prevent sexual transmission by consistently and correctly using condoms which reduces the chance of getting Zika.⁵
Avoid travel to areas with Zika virus if you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy as the virus poses health risks to a developing fetus.⁵

Travellers returning from Zika-affected areas:

For women: if you want to become pregnant, strongly recommended to wait at least 2 months prior to trying to conceive.⁵
For men: strongly recommend the use of condoms for 6 months after travel or avoid having sex.⁵

Travellers returning from Zika-affected areas should wait a minimum of 21 days before donating cells, blood, tissues and/or organs.⁵

How is it treated

There is no specific medicine or vaccine for Zika virus.⁶

Treat the symptoms.
Get plenty of rest.
Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
Take medicine to reduce fever and pain.
Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

Medical advice is recommended for the onset of symptoms. For further information regarding Zika, please speak with your healthcare provider.

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