Zika virus Diagnosis & Treatment

Diagnosis

 The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, diseases spread through the same mosquitoes that spread Zika.

See your doctor or other healthcare provider if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where Zika is found.

 If you have recently traveled, tell your doctor or other healthcare provider when and where you traveled.

Your doctor or other healthcare provider may order blood tests to look for Zika or other similar viruses like dengue or chikungunya.

Treatment

There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika virus.

Treat the symptoms:

Get plenty of rest.

Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.

Take medicine such as acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or paracetamol to reduce fever and pain.

Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) until dengue can be ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.

If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your doctor or other healthcare provider before taking additional medication.

If you have Zika, prevent mosquito bites for the first week of your illness.

During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites.

An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.