Overview
Most people with Zika have mild or no symptoms.
Zika can spread through sex, so condoms are advised after travel.
Symptoms
Common signs:
- Rash, fever, red eyes
Less common
- Joint pain
- Red eyes
Look up a symptom: Fever · Pain in many joints · Rash · Red eye or eye discharge
When to get medical care
Call 911This isn't an emergency by itself. Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain, or fainting.
Get care todayExposure in pregnancy.
See a doctor soonSymptoms after travel.
Causes
Mosquitoes, sex.
Does it spread or run in families?
- It usually doesn't spread from person to person.
- People get it from: mosquito bites, sex, or mother to baby around birth.
Who is more likely to get it
- Travel
Possible complications
- Guillain-Barré syndrome: Rare
- Birth defects: If infected in pregnancy
Diagnosis
A clinician asks about your symptoms and may order tests.
The exam
A physical exam.
Tests
Tests, if needed:
- Blood or urine test:
Treatment
Treatment depends on the cause and how severe it is.
Self-care
- Rest
Prevention
To lower your risk or catch problems early:
- Repellent
- Condoms after travel
Which doctor treats this
- Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
- They may send you to an infectious disease specialist, for hard-to-treat infections.
Children, pregnancy, and older adults
- Pregnancy: Avoid travel to Zika areas.
- Pregnant women: Highest concern.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
- If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
- Some infections can pass to the baby during pregnancy or birth. Tell your provider if you've been exposed.
- Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
- Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
- Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.
Outlook
Most recover in a week.
Getting ready for your visit
Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.
What to bring
- A list of your medicines and supplements
- Notes on when symptoms started and what makes them better or worse
Questions to ask
- What's causing this?
- What treatment do you recommend?
- How long should we wait to get pregnant after travel?
Research studies
Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-12.