Living with Zika virus infectious disease
An infection spread mainly by mosquito bites that usually causes mild illness, with fever, rash, joint pain and red eyes.
Understanding Zika virus infectious disease
Symptoms usually last from several days to a week. The virus can also pass from a pregnant mother to her child, through sex, and, in some reported cases, through blood transfusion. GARD says the full range of health problems from infection during pregnancy is still being studied. No vaccine exists.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Fever
- Skin rash and itching
- Joint pain
- Muscle aches
- Headache
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Zika virus causes this infection. It spreads mainly through mosquito bites, from mother to child in pregnancy, and through sexual contact.
Also known as: zika; zika fever; zika virus caused disease or disorder; zika virus disease; zika virus disease or disorder; zika virus infection
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Zika virus infectious disease.
Explore research for Zika virus infectious disease
Explore actively recruiting Zika virus infectious disease studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Zika virus infectious disease with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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