“What are the symptoms of Zika?”
My husband just got back from the Caribbean, but he seems very sick. He has a fever and a rash on his arm. Some of his joints hurt as well. Could these be symptoms of Zika?
3 Answers
Maira Jessica Medellin-Peña
Infectious Disease Specialist
When present, symptoms are mild and last less than a week. They include fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes. Please visit your health care provider for proper assessment.
Yes, they could also be symptoms of dengue fever or Chikungunya Fever. Should seek a consultation with your position or serologies or the health department.
Florin Paul
Queens, New York
Thanks for the question. Zika Virus Disease (ZVD) is usually transmitted by mosquito bite (Aedes spp) and the incubation is about 3 to 12 days after the bite. There are also other ways of transmission like blood transfusion, sexual, breastfeeding, organ and tissue transplantation Simptomatology of Zika may mimic a large range of viral infections. However the most common symptoms are: fever, maculo-papular rash, conjunctivitis (pinkeye), joint pain, retro-orbital pain, headache, and muscle pain. Symptoms last 4 to 7 days. Most infections are mild. Severe infection requiring hospitalization is uncommon. Rarely, Zika virus infection has caused encephalopathy in adults. Death due to Zika virus infection is rare.The infection may have a very strong impact in population, especially to pregnant women therefore any suspicion should be properly addressed to a clinic. Confirmation of the diseases is serologic and immunologic. If there is any suspicion your husband is infected with Zika virus, my strong advice is to visit as soon as possible your physician.
Good luck,
Good luck,
