Zika is a disease caused by the Zika virus.
A person becomes infected by the bite of an infected mosquito and in rare instances by having unprotected sex with an infected person (mainly from a male sexual partner).
- The mosquitoes that spread Zika virus are not normally found in Aotearoa New Zealand. But they are found in many countries around the world.
- Specific areas where Zika virus is spreading are often difficult to determine and are likely to change over time.
- New Zealand and world health authorities are continuing to monitor the spread of Zika virus(external link).
- Infection during pregnancy has shown to link to birth defects in babies and there are also concerns that Zika sometimes leads to Guillain-Barré syndrome. A serious neurological disorder caused by the immune system reacting to Zika infection.
- There is ongoing research about how Zika can affect people.
Most people who infecte with Zika don’t have any symptoms. For those who do have symptoms, they are often mild.
- low-grade fever (between 38°C and 38.9°C)
- joints pains, particularly those of เล่นบาคาร่า UFABET เว็บตรง ค่าคอมสูง hands and feet, with possible swelling
- muscle pain
- headache
- red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- rash – which could confuse with other diseases, eg, measles or dengue.
Symptoms are likely to occur within a few days to a week after being infected, but they may take up to 12 days to appear. They usually last from 4 to 7 days.
Diagnosis
If you feel unwell after travelling to another country see your doctor. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and travel history to rule out more serious diseases such as measles, rubella and dengue.
Treatment
There are no specific medicines use to treat a Zika infection.
- Symptoms can treat with rest and paracetamol for pain and fever.
- Don’t use aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen until a healthcare provider has ruled out dengue as a potential cause of illness.
- Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
If you’re pregnant or planning a pregnancy
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You’ve recently travell to an area with Zika, it’s recommended that you speak with your healthcare provider or lead maternity carer (LMC), even if you don’t feel sick.
- It’s especially important to see a healthcare provider if you develop a fever, rash, joint pain, or red eyes during your trip or within 2 weeks. After travelling to a country where Zika has report.
If you have been to a Zika-affected area. But have no symptoms, there is no need to be tested.