Zika
The Zika virus is mainly transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that bite during the day. Infection can also take place via transmission from mother to child during pregnancy or via sexual contact and via bloodtransfusion.
Infection usually causes no or only mild symptoms (for example an itchy skin rash). Three to twelve days after infection, sometimes the following symptoms occur:
- fever
- headache
- muscle and joint pain
- fatigue
- red eyes
Neurological complications can develop in rare cases, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome. A Zika infection during pregnancy can cause a miscarriage or birth defects, e.g., a small skull, vision or hearing abnormalities, growth retardation, mental retardation, or epilepsy.
There is no specific treatment. A person who has been infected with Zika probably has life-long protection against a new infection.
The 2015-2016 outbreak of zika in Latin America is over. Therefore, the risk for travellers has been greatly reduced.
Risk areas
Zika occurs in several countries in Asia, Africa and Latin-America. Currently, no outbreaks are reported.
View the mapPrevention
Mosquito-repellent measures
Protect yourself against mosquitoes, particularly during the day.
Vaccination
There is no vaccine available yet.
Pregnant / pregnancy wish
- Do not travel to areas with an outbreak of Zika. If you do travel to an area with an outbreak, we recommend waiting 2 (women), or 3 months (men) before conception.
- In case of travel to a high-risk area where there is no outbreak
- protect yourself from mosquitoes
- a blood test after returning is not routinely recommended