Zika Fever: what is it, how dangerous is it, how do you get it, and should you vaccinate?

What is Zika fever?

• Zika fever is an infectious disease caused by a virus.
• This infectious disease has many similarities with dengue fever.
• The disease is transmitted by infected mosquitoes, which are primarily active during the day.
• Outbreaks occur regularly in all tropical regions.
• Zika fever is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because the virus can harm the unborn child. For other adults, it is primarily a "normal" and unpleasant illness.

What are the symptoms of the Zika virus?

• The symptoms of Zika fever are usually mild and short-lived (2 to 7 days). Symptoms include fever, inflammation of the lining of the eye, temporary joint pain, and a rash.
• The most dangerous aspect of the Zika virus is the birth defects that babies of infected mothers can develop.

What to do to prevent Zika abroad or while traveling?

• There is no vaccine available yet, so preventing mosquito bites is the key to preventing the disease.
• Stay informed about local outbreaks, especially during pregnancy.
• If you live or work in a (sub)tropical area where Zika is present, try to avoid stagnant water in areas such as bowls, flowerpots, puddles, and car tires.
• Use DEET and mosquito-repellent clothing to prevent bites.
• Read more about DEET and pregnancy.

What to do if you get Zika?

• The disease usually clears up on its own within a week.
• Treatment focuses primarily on managing pain and fever, for example, with paracetamol.