Zika fever

Zika fever is a usually mild viral infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes and also through sex. The greatest risks are serious harm to an unborn baby and rare nerve complications. Pregnancy after possible exposure, increasing muscle weakness or signs of severe dengue require prompt assessment.

• Most people have no symptoms, or a mild illness that usually improves within a few days to about a week.
• A fine itchy rash, mild fever, headache and muscle and joint pain.
• Drink regularly, rest and watch your urination, alertness, breathing, bleeding and increasing abdominal pain.
• Prevent further mosquito bites during the first week of illness with clothing, screens, air conditioning and a suitable repellent, so mosquitoes do not spread the virus further.
• Get in touch for fever and a rash after staying in an area with possible zika, dengue or chikungunya, especially for advice on medicines and the timing of tests.
• For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.