The information on this website is not intended for diagnosis or treatment. Please consult your physician for health concerns.

+90 850 321 50 00

Zika Virus

An arbovirus infection transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, generally mild but causing serious congenital anomalies in pregnancy.

Written by: Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board
Last updated:

This content has been compiled by the Saygı Hospital Health Guide Editorial Board and is periodically reviewed by a specialist physician.

References (5)

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. You can book an appointment at our Internal Medicine department. Book Appointment →

What is Zika Virus?

Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus from the Flaviviridae family, transmitted to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes (A. aegypti, A. albopictus). It can also spread through sexual transmission, mother-to-baby transmission and blood transfusion.

Approximately 80% of infected individuals are asymptomatic. Those with symptoms experience mild fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. It usually resolves spontaneously within a week. Rarely, it can lead to Guillain-Barré syndrome.

The most important public health concern is congenital Zika syndrome caused by Zika infection during pregnancy: microcephaly, brain anomalies, ocular findings and developmental disorders. The 2015-2016 Latin American outbreak clearly established this association.

Symptoms

Mild fever and weakness
Maculopapular rash
Joint pain (especially in small joints)
Conjunctivitis (red eye)
Headache and retro-orbital pain
Muscle pain
Asymptomatic course in most patients

Risk Factors

Travel to outbreak areas (Latin America, Caribbean, Southeast Asia)
Presence of Aedes mosquitoes
Pregnancy (risk of congenital Zika syndrome)
Sexual intercourse with partner from outbreak area
Summer and rainy seasons
Long stays outdoors
Failure to take personal protection measures

When to See a Doctor?

If you experience any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention promptly:

  • Febrile illness and rash after returning from outbreak area
  • Evaluation after exposure during pregnancy
  • Conjunctivitis and rash together
  • Neurological symptoms (Guillain-Barré suspicion)
  • Travel counseling when planning pregnancy

Treatment Methods

01
Supportive care (rest, fluids, acetaminophen)
02
Avoidance of NSAIDs and aspirin (bleeding and Reye risk)
03
Detailed ultrasonography and follow-up in pregnancy
04
Aedes mosquito control and personal protection
05
Avoidance of travel to outbreak areas during pregnancy
06
Protected sexual intercourse after outbreak area exposure

Which Department to Visit?

You can visit our Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları department for these complaints. Our specialist physicians will create the most suitable treatment plan for you.

Learn About Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları Department

Let us help you

You can make an appointment with our specialists or contact us for your concerns.

Book AppointmentContact Us

Related Health Topics

Other articles from the same department you may want to explore.

Flu (Influenza)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Influenza is a seasonal contagious respiratory disease caused by influenza viruses; it presents with high fever, muscle pain, and severe fatigue.

COVID-19

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

COVID-19 is a contagious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus with a wide clinical spectrum ranging from asymptomatic to severe pneumonia.

Upper Respiratory Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Upper respiratory tract infections are diseases that include common cold, pharyngitis, sinusitis, and laryngitis, often of viral origin and self-limited.

Urinary Tract Infection

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections most often caused by Escherichia coli, presenting with burning and frequent urination.

Hepatitis A (HAV)

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis A is an acute, self-limited liver infection transmitted via the fecal-oral route causing acute hepatitis without chronicity; supportive care suffices in most cases, while vaccination prevents outbreaks and post-exposure prophylaxis within 2 weeks is effective.

Hepatitis B

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis B is a contagious infection caused by HBV virus transmitted via blood, sexual intercourse, and mother-to-child, that can become chronic and progress to cirrhosis and liver cancer.

Hepatitis C

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

Hepatitis C is a liver disease caused by HCV virus transmitted mainly by blood; the rate of chronicity is high, but cure is possible with new antiviral drugs.

HIV/AIDS Information

Enfeksiyon Hastalıkları

HIV is a virus that targets the immune system; if untreated, it progresses to AIDS. With modern antiretroviral therapy, HIV-positive individuals can lead healthy, long lives.

Health Disclaimer: The information on this page is prepared for general informational purposes only. It does not replace medical diagnosis and treatment. Please consult your physician for your complaints. Saygı Hospital does not accept responsibility for actions taken based on the information on this page.