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Zika virus

Zika virus is mainly spread by mosquitoes found in some parts of the world. For most people it's mild and not harmful, but it can cause problems if you're pregnant.

Check if you're at risk of Zika virus

Zika virus is usually caught by being bitten by an infected mosquito.

Very rarely, you can get the virus by having sex with someone who has it.

Zika virus is found in parts of:

  • South and Central America
  • the Caribbean
  • the Pacific islands
  • Africa
  • Asia

The type of mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are not found in the UK.

Information:

Check before you travel

It's important to check the risk for the country you're going to before you travel.

Find out more about the Zika virus risk in specific countries on the Travel Health Pro website

How to avoid Zika virus

If you're travelling to an area where Zika virus is found, get advice from your GP surgery, a pharmacy or travel clinic before you go.

It's best to do this at least 4 to 6 weeks before you travel, but you can still get advice at the last minute if you need to.

There are things you can do to avoid getting Zika virus while you're travelling.

Do

  • use insect repellent on your skin – make sure it's 50% DEET-based

  • sleep under mosquito nets treated with insecticide

  • wear loose clothing that covers your arms and legs – the mosquitoes that carry Zika virus are most active during the day

Important

You should consider avoiding travelling to a country with a risk of Zika virus if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy in the near future.

Zika virus can seriously harm your baby if you have the virus while you're pregnant.

Information:

Find out more

Symptoms of Zika virus

Most people have few or no symptoms if they get Zika virus.

If you do have symptoms, they're usually mild and last around 2 to 7 days.

The most common symptoms include:

  • a high temperature
  • a headache
  • sore, red eyes
  • swollen joints and joint and muscle pain
  • lower back pain
  • a rash and itching all over the body

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

You've recently travelled to a country with a Zika virus risk and:

  • you have symptoms of Zika virus
  • you or your partner are pregnant
  • you or your partner get pregnant within 3 months of coming back to the UK

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Get medical advice quickly if you have Zika virus symptoms while you're travelling.

Treatments for Zika virus

There are no specific treatments for Zika virus.

If you have symptoms, you should:

  • get plenty of rest
  • drink lots of fluids
  • take pain relief, such as paracetamol

If you're pregnant and have Zika virus, your midwife or hospital doctor (obstetrician) will talk about the risk with you.

They may arrange a blood test and an ultrasound scan to check your baby's growth and development.

You may also be referred to a specialist for more monitoring.

Complications of Zika virus

Problems during and after pregnancy

Zika virus can cause serious problems during and after pregnancy, such as:

  • loss of the baby before birth
  • premature birth
  • stillbirth
  • problems with the baby’s brain, hearing and eyesight
  • the baby having an unusually small head (microcephaly)

If there's a chance you or your partner could get pregnant, you should:

  • use condoms when having sex in an area where Zika virus is found
  • continue to use condoms for 3 months if both you and your male partner have returned from a country with a Zika virus risk, or if your male partner has returned after travelling alone
  • continue to use condoms for 2 months if you're female and you've returned from a country with a Zika virus risk after travelling alone

If you or your partner are already pregnant, use condoms during and after your visit to a country with a Zika virus risk and for the rest of your pregnancy.

Speak to your midwife or doctor for advice if you're worried your unborn baby may be affected by Zika virus.

Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)

Rarely, Zika virus can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a serious condition that affects the nervous system.

Anyone can get Guillain-Barré syndrome, but it mainly affects adults and older children.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

You've recently travelled to a country with a Zika virus risk and:

  • you have numbness, pins and needles, muscle weakness or pain in your feet and hands that spreads to your arms and legs
Information:

Find out more

Page last reviewed: 31 July 2025
Next review due: 31 July 2028