Do I Have Zika Virus?

Do you have a skin rash?

Do you have itching all over your body?

Do you have a high temperature (38C or above)?

Do you have a headache?

Do you have a joint pain?

Do you have a muscle pain?

Do you have red eyes (conjunctivitis)?

Do you have pain behind the eyes?

Do you have a lower back pain?

Have you traveled to areas with Zika outbreaks in the past month?

Were you bitten by mosquitoes while traveling?

Have you been in contact recently with anyone who was ill?

Based on your answers it is unlikely that you have the Zika virus. Zika is a mosquito-borne disease. Zika is named after the Zika Forest in Uganda where it was first discovered in 1947. Since then, numerous Zika outbreaks have been reported in Africa, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, and South and Central America. For most people, Zika is not a serious condition. Many people with Zika have no symptoms or have mild ones. However, Zika infection during pregnancy can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, and a birth defect of the brain called microcephaly. Pregnant women should avoid traveling to areas with Zika outbreaks.

Based on your answers there is a possibility that you have the Zika virus. Zika is a viral infection that is mainly spread by mosquitoes. When an infected mosquito bites a healthy person, the virus enters that person's bloodstream causing an infection. The virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus and through unprotected sex with an infected person. Zika symptoms are usually mild and last for a week. Diagnosing Zika is based on your symptoms, recent travel history, and blood and urine tests. Once you recover from a Zika virus infection, there is a good chance that you will be protected from future infections.

Based on your answers there is a high possibility that you have the Zika virus. Zika is a viral infection that is mainly spread by the bite of an infected mosquito from the species Aedes. These mosquitoes are very aggressive; they bite during the day, especially in the early morning and late afternoon and evening. There is no vaccine or cure for Zika, so treatment consists of relieving symptoms. Your doctor will advise you to get plenty of rest, increase fluid intake and take medication to reduce fever and joint pain. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicine to treat any additional medical problems.