Zika virus infection

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This page is about clinical aspects of the disease.  For microbiologic aspects of the causative organism(s), see Zika virus.

For patient information, click here.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Nate Michalak, B.A.; Luke Rusowicz-Orazem, B.S.; Ilan Dock, B.S.

Synonyms and keywords: Zika virus; ZIKV; ZIKV disease; Zika; Zika virus disease; Zika disease; Zika fever

Symptoms

Symptoms associated with the contraction of the Zika virus typically span from several days to a week. The disease is rarely fatal and hospitalization is uncommon. The following symptoms are the associated with contracting the Zika Virus:

• Acute onset fever
• Maculopapular rash
• Arthralgia
• Conjunctivitis
• Myalgia
• Headache
• Retro-orbital pain
• Vomiting

Diagnosis

History and Symptoms | Physical Examination | Laboratory Findings | Other Diagnostic Studies

Medical Therapy

• There is currently no specific antiviral treatment for the Zika virus.
• Modern therapy tactics include increased rest, fluids, antipyretics (fever reducers) and analgesics (pain relievers).
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided until dengue fever is no longer a potential diagnosis.

Primary Prevention

Avoid mosquito bites:

• Use insect repellent.
• Wear long sleeves and long pants.
• If outdoors or cannot protect against mosquitos entering the home, use bed nets, air conditioning, or insect screens
• Avoid standing water: gardening pots, swampy areas, etc.