What is Zika Virus? Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Shrutika Kamble , General Medicine

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1. Causes 2. Find a Doctor 3. Diagnosis 4. Treatment 5. FAQs

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne viral infection primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. It can also spread through pregnancy, sexual contact, blood transfusion, and, rarely, organ transplantation. Most people experience mild symptoms such as fever, rash, joint pain, red eyes, headache, and muscle aches, while some may have no symptoms at all. However, infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including congenital Zika syndrome. Diagnosis is confirmed through blood or urine tests, and treatment focuses on rest, hydration, symptom relief, and preventing mosquito bites to reduce further transmission.

What are the Zika Virus Symptoms?

Most people infected with Zika virus experience mild or no symptoms, making diagnosis challenging. Symptoms usually appear within 3-14 days after exposure.

Common Symptoms

Mild fever
Skin rash (flat or slightly raised, often itchy)
Joint and muscle pain
Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Chills and sweating
Fatigue and weakness
Headache
Loss of appetite

What are the Common Causes and Risk Factors of Zika Virus?

The most common way for the Zika virus to infect a person is through the bite of an infected aedes mosquito. The zika virus enters the mosquito when it bites a person with the disease.

When the infected mosquito bites another healthy person the virus enters the bloodstream of that person and results in an illness. The Zika virus may potentially pass from a mother to her baby in a pregnant woman.

Zika Virus Risk Factors

You are at a higher risk of contracting Zika if you:

Travel to or live in areas with Zika outbreaks
Have unprotected sex with someone exposed to Zika
Receive contaminated blood transfusions
Are pregnant or planning pregnancy in high-risk regions

When to see a doctor?

Consult a general medicine if you suspect you or any family member has a Zika virus infection. The doctors will suggest a blood test to screen for the virus and other mosquito-borne illnesses. Discuss with the doctor if you should undergo a zika virus test if you are pregnant or have recently visited a high-risk region where the disease is prevalent, even if you don't have any symptoms.

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How is Zika Virus Diagnosed?

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, travel history, and lab testing.

Diagnostic Methods

Medical history evaluation: Especially recent travel to outbreak regions
Physical examination: To check for rash, fever, or joint pain
Blood and urine tests: Detect the virus directly
Ultrasound and Amniocentesis: For monitoring fetal health in pregnant women

What are the Zika Virus Treatment Options?

There is no specific antiviral treatment for Zika virus. Most people recover fully within a week or two with proper care.

Supportive Care Includes

Plenty of fluids (water, juices, coconut water) to stay hydrated
Rest to support recovery
Paracetamol for fever and pain (avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out)
Close monitoring in pregnancy for any fetal abnormalities
Avoidance of mosquito bites through repellents, nets, and clothing

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Zika Virus in Pregnancy: What You Should Know?

Zika infection during pregnancy can lead to serious fetal complications, including:

Microcephaly (abnormally small head and brain)
Neurological abnormalities
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Premature birth
Vision and hearing problems

Diagnosis for Pregnant Women

Ultrasound (every 3-4 weeks): Detects fetal brain abnormalities like microcephaly
Amniocentesis: Tests the amniotic fluid for evidence of Zika virus
Zika virus testing: Via blood or urine

Dos and Don'ts

The Zika virus disease or Zika fever mainly causes no or only mild symptoms, identical to a very mild form of dengue fever. Slight fever, rash, headache, red eyes, and joint discomfort are typical symptoms.

Do's	Don'ts
Put tight lids on all water tanks and containers.	Allow rainwater to accumulate for mosquitoes to thrive.
Sleep under mosquito nets	Avoid any sudden symptoms or changes, particularly during pregnancy.
Use safe insect repellents on your skin.	Wear skin tight clothes
Wear long and loose clothes to protect yourself from mosquito bites.	Have unprotected sex
Avoid traveling to high risk regions having Zika virus outbreaks.	Travel to places where Zika disease is present.

There is no specific medicine or Zika virus vaccine available to protect against the disease. The following dos and don'ts can aid in managing the disease.

What are the Complications of Zika Virus?

While Zika symptoms are often mild, complications can be severe, especially in unborn babies and some adults.

Possible Complications Include

Congenital microcephaly and neurological defects
Miscarriage or stillbirth
Premature delivery
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a rare neurological disorder
Severe dehydration
Hearing and vision impairment in newborns
Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM)

How to Prevent Zika Virus Infection?

Avoid mosquito bites: Use repellents, wear protective clothing, use bed nets
Plan travel carefully: Especially if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy
Practice safe sex: Use condoms, especially after returning from a risk area
Control mosquito breeding: Eliminate standing water from surroundings
Stay informed: Follow local and international health advisories