Zika Virus Symptoms: What to look for

The Zika Virus belongs to the same family as Dengue and West Nile but is not considered to be fatal in most cases. The virus is spread with the bite of a mosquito and is how it’s transmitted to human beings. Here is a piece listing all Zika Virus symptoms.

The incubation period for the Zika Virus is usually 12 days and a person exhibits symptoms only when the virus is at its peak.

Fever

You will have a fever until the virus has crossed its incubation period. If you run a high-temperature, look out for other symptoms caused by the infection.

Try not to take a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like aspirin, to control or curb the fever until dengue is ruled out, as you may run the risk of internal bleeding.

Rash

The virus is usually accompanied by rash on your skin, which may be itchy and cause discomfort. Try not to itch the affected areas as it will only worsen the issue. The rash doesn’t particularly affect any ‘one’ part of the body and could be seen anywhere.

Joint Pain

If you’ve never experienced joint pain before and have pain or discomfort that emanates from your joints, you should consider checking to see if you are infected by the virus. OTC tablets can help relieve you of your pain temporarily.

Conjunctivitis

Also known as pinkeye, the infection can leave you with a cough, headache, runny nose and swollen eyelids. If you’ve got conjunctivitis, try to disinfect common areas of your home, as the disease is infectious and can be passed on to others in your home.

Pregnant women that exhibit symptoms of the Zika Virus are usually advised to do a test immediately. The infection is known to lead to deformities in the child of the affected pregnant woman, which calls for extra caution for both lives.

A visit to the doctor and a blood-test will help you judge if you are infected by the Zika Virus or not. Treatment involves medication, increased fluid intake, as well as plenty of rest.

No vaccine has been developed against the Zika Virus as of today.