🦟 Zika Virus Infection
PH
PureHealthness Editorial Team · Health writers & reviewers
📝 Last reviewed: August 2026
✔ Transparent sourcing · Some articles are AI-drafted, then reviewed & fact-checked by our team
📝 Last reviewed: August 2026
| In brief | Mild fever, red eyes (conjunctivitis), skin rash, and muscle or joint pain. |
|---|---|
| Category | Infectious |
🔍 What causes it
Zika virus — mosquito-borne (Aedes), also sexually transmitted. Most infections are mild or silent — the DANGER is in pregnancy: it can cause severe birth defects (microcephaly).
⚠️ Key symptoms
- Mild fever
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis) without discharge
- Itchy skin rash
- Muscle and joint pain — usually 2-7 days
💊 Treatment
Rest, fluids, paracetamol for fever (avoid ibuprofen/aspirin until dengue is ruled out — bleeding risk). Pregnant women with possible exposure need urgent specialist review. No vaccine yet.
🛡️ Prevention
Mosquito protection in affected areas; pregnant women should avoid travel to outbreak zones; condoms after exposure.
🚨 See a doctor / red flags: See a doctor promptly if symptoms are severe, do not improve, or get worse — especially for children, older adults, pregnant women, or anyone with a chronic condition.
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