Infections
Medicines for Zika virus
A usually mild viral infection spread mainly by mosquitoes, important because infection in pregnancy can seriously harm the developing baby.
Education and reference only. This explains which medicines are used and why, in plain language — it deliberately contains no doses and is not a substitute for advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always discuss your own treatment with a qualified clinician, and check the BNF and the product labelling for prescribing detail.
Quick answer
What is Zika virus?
Zika virus is an infection spread mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, and it can also be passed on through sex and from mother to baby in pregnancy. In most people it causes a mild illness or no symptoms at all; when symptoms occur they can include a mild fever, a rash, joint and muscle aches, red eyes and headache, usually settling within a week.
- How it is treated: There is no specific treatment for Zika, so care is supportive for the usually mild illness: rest, fluids, and paracetamol for fever and aches (avoiding anti-inflammatory painkillers until dengue, which can look similar, is excluded).
- Self-care: Preventing mosquito bites (repellent, covering up, nets) is the main protection.
- When to seek help: Seek advice before travel if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
What it is
Zika virus is an infection spread mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, and it can also be passed on through sex and from mother to baby in pregnancy. In most people it causes a mild illness or no symptoms at all; when symptoms occur they can include a mild fever, a rash, joint and muscle aches, red eyes and headache, usually settling within a week. The reason Zika is important out of proportion to its usually mild illness is that infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, particularly affecting the baby's brain and head size (microcephaly). Because of this, there is specific travel advice for pregnant women and those planning pregnancy. It is diagnosed with blood or urine tests in the right context.
How it is treated
There is no specific treatment for Zika, so care is supportive for the usually mild illness: rest, fluids, and paracetamol for fever and aches (avoiding anti-inflammatory painkillers until dengue, which can look similar, is excluded). The most important aspect is prevention and pregnancy advice. Pregnant women are generally advised to avoid travel to areas with Zika risk, and both partners are advised to take precautions to prevent mosquito bites and to avoid passing it on through sex for a period after travel, following current guidance. Anyone who is pregnant or planning pregnancy should check up-to-date travel advice. Preventing mosquito bites is the main protection for all travellers.
For this condition, these medicines
Medicine classes used for Zika virus
Each links to a full, dose-free guide — what it is, how it works, who can and cannot use it, side effects, interactions and FAQs.
Beyond medication
Lifestyle and self-care
Preventing mosquito bites (repellent, covering up, nets) is the main protection. Pregnant women are usually advised to avoid travel to Zika-risk areas, and couples should follow guidance on preventing sexual transmission and on timing of pregnancy after travel.
When to get help
When to see a doctor
Seek advice before travel if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. See a doctor for a fever or rash after travel to an affected area (dengue and malaria should also be excluded), and if pregnant and possibly exposed, seek specialist advice.
Not sure how urgent it is? It is always OK to call NHS 111 for advice, day or night.
Answers
Zika virus: frequently asked questions
Why is Zika virus a concern in pregnancy?
Because infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, particularly affecting the baby's brain and head size. This is why pregnant women are advised to avoid travel to Zika-risk areas.
How is Zika virus spread?
Mainly through the bite of infected mosquitoes in tropical and subtropical regions, but also through sex and from mother to baby in pregnancy. Preventing mosquito bites is the main protection.
Sources
Where this is drawn from
- NHS — Zika virus
- TravelHealthPro — Zika
Related conditions
Browse by body system
Building a patient-information or formulary resource?
We create evidence-led, dose-free clinical references and decision aids for teams.