Zika Virus: Causes, Symptoms, & Treatment

What is the Zika Virus?

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection, primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. It belongs to the same family as dengue and yellow fever. When a mosquito carrying the virus bites you, the virus enters your blood. Most people feel only mild illness and recover in about a week. But about 8 out of 10 people show no symptoms, making it difficult to detect and stop the spread.

How Common is the Zika Virus in India?

In India, Zika virus outbreaks have been low and isolated. The first confirmed case was recorded in Gujarat in 2016, followed by outbreaks in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh (2018) and Kerala (2021). Retrospective testing later found evidence of the virus in several other states, including Punjab, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Jharkhand, and Telangana.

In 2024, 151 confirmed cases of Zika virus disease were reported, according to the WHO. The vast majority of these were concentrated in Maharashtra, which saw 140 cases, while Karnataka and Gujarat reported 10 and 1 case, respectively. Local screening during this period revealed that roughly 15% of symptomatic individuals and 3% of pregnant women tested positive for the virus.

The weather affects how Zika spreads. Almost half of all outbreaks happen just after the monsoon season. About one in three outbreaks start while it is still raining.

What are the symptoms of the Zika Virus?

Zika symptoms vary from person to person. Many people do not feel sick at all. Some may get mild, flu-like symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually start 3 to 14 days after a mosquito bite and last for 2 to 7 days.

Typical symptoms include the following:

• Low-grade fever: A mild rise in body temperature, not usually severe.

• Maculopapular rash: This is a flat, red rash with small spots. It usually starts on the face and spreads to the body and arms. The rash can be very itchy and is sometimes confused with a dengue rash.

• Joint pain: The small joints in your hands and feet may hurt. You may also notice mild swelling and find it hard to move them. This usually gets better in about a week.

• Conjunctivitis: Redness in the eyes without discharge.

• Muscle pain: General body aches and soreness.

• Headache: Mild to moderate, often with eye pain.

• Fatigue: Persistent tiredness and general weakness.

• Swelling and vomiting: Some people may have swelling, vomiting, or swollen glands.

Serious problems from Zika are rare. Some people may get Guillain-Barré syndrome, which causes muscle weakness. Others may have swelling in the brain or low platelets. In the 2024 Pune outbreak, doctors saw new symptoms like bleeding and pain behind the eyes. These symptoms were not seen in earlier outbreaks in India.

What are the causes of a Zika Virus Infection?

Knowing how Zika spreads is important to prevent it. The virus can spread in several ways, such as:

• Mosquito bite: The Aedes aegypti mosquito bites during both day and night, making exposure possible at any hour.

• Sexual transmission: According to CDC transmission data, the virus can pass between sexual partners even when the infected person has no symptoms, before symptoms appear, during illness, and after recovery.

• Mother to foetus: An infected pregnant woman can pass the virus to her unborn child during pregnancy.

• Blood transfusion: People who do not have symptoms can still give blood that has the virus. Blood banks in high-risk areas ask recent travellers to wait 28 days before donating blood.

• Breastfeeding: Zika virus has been found in breast milk, but it is not clear if it spreads this way. The CDC says mothers should continue breastfeeding because the benefits are greater than the possible risks.

• Travel to impacted regions: Visiting or living in tropical and subtropical regions with active Aedes mosquito populations substantially increases the risk of exposure.

What are the complications of the Zika virus?

Most people get better from Zika without any long-term problems. But some groups have a higher risk of serious issues.

• Microcephaly: Babies born to infected mothers may have unusually small heads and underdeveloped brains.

• Congenital Zika syndrome: This is a group of birth defects. It can cause problems with the brain, eyes, hearing, or movement of the arms and legs.

• Foetal loss and stillbirth: Zika infection during pregnancy can result in pregnancy loss or premature birth.

• Guillain-Barré syndrome: A neurological condition causing progressive muscle weakness, which may require hospitalisation and rehabilitation.

• Neuropathy and myelitis: Inflammation of nerves and the spinal cord has been reported in adults and older children.

• Eye abnormalities in newborns: These may include damage to the retina and optic nerve

• Long-term care needs: Children affected by congenital Zika syndrome may require specialised medical support throughout their lives, as noted in CDC guidance on Zika and babies.

According to data from the World Health Organisation (WHO), an estimated 5% to 15% of babies born to women infected during pregnancy show structural or clinical evidence of Zika-related complications.

When Should I See My Healthcare Provider?

You do not need to go to the hospital for every symptom. But some signs mean you should see a doctor quickly.

• Fever with rash after travel: If you develop these symptoms within two weeks of visiting a Zika-affected area, see a doctor promptly.

• Joint pain and red eyes together: This combination after mosquito exposure warrants a consultation.

• Pregnancy with possible exposure: Any pregnant woman who has travelled to or had sexual contact with someone from an affected region should seek medical advice, even without symptoms.

• Progressive limb weakness: Weakness or tingling that starts in the legs and moves upward may signal Guillain-Barré syndrome. Seek care immediately.

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing: These are emergency symptoms requiring urgent hospital attention.

• Planning a pregnancy: Couples with a recent travel history to Zika-endemic areas should speak with a doctor before conceiving.

How is the Zika Virus Diagnosed?

Zika symptoms are similar to dengue and chikungunya. So, doctors need lab tests to confirm the infection. It is not possible to diagnose Zika by symptoms alone.

How is the Zika virus managed or treated?

There is no specific medicine to cure Zika. Doctors treat the symptoms and help you feel better while your body fights the infection.

To reduce aches and mild fever, doctors usually advise taking paracetamol. Drink plenty of water and oral rehydration solutions. Take rest to help your body recover and avoid dehydration.

Do not take aspirin or other anti-inflammatory painkillers until dengue has been ruled out, as these can cause bleeding. Try to avoid mosquito bites in the first few days of illness so you do not spread the virus to other mosquitoes. Mothers with Zika should be checked for signs of infection in their babies. There is no vaccine for Zika yet.

How Does Zika Virus Affect Pregnancy?

Zika is most risky during pregnancy. Not all babies exposed to the virus will have problems. Data from the CDC shows that about 5 out of 100 babies born to mothers with Zika have birth defects. These problems can happen even if the mother has no symptoms. Some women with Zika still deliver healthy babies. If a woman had Zika before pregnancy, it does not affect future pregnancies. She is likely to have long-term protection against getting Zika again.

What is the prognosis for the Zika Virus?

Most adults recover from Zika within 1 to 2 weeks. Serious problems and deaths are very rare. Some people may get complications like Guillain-Barré syndrome, which can require long hospital stays and therapy. Babies with Zika-related birth defects may need special care for life. But for most people, Zika is a short illness with no lasting effects.

There is no vaccine for Zika. The best way to prevent it is to avoid mosquito bites and other risk factors, including:

• Insect repellent: Apply an EPA-registered repellent to exposed skin, especially during outdoor activities.

• Wear protective clothing: Long-sleeved shirts and full-length trousers reduce skin exposure to mosquito bites.

• Use window screens and nets to keep mosquitoes out of living spaces, especially during peak biting hours.

• Eliminate standing water: Empty containers, flowerpots, and coolers where Aedes mosquitoes breed

• Use condoms: Using condoms during sex can lower the risk of spreading Zika.

• Avoid travel to affected areas during pregnancy: Pregnant women should avoid travelling to places where Zika is common.

• Post-travel precautions: If you return from a Zika-affected area, use mosquito protection for three weeks to prevent spreading the virus.

Does Health Insurance Cover Zika Virus?

Yes, most health insurance plans in India cover hospital stays for infections like Zika. If you are admitted for problems such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, severe dehydration, or pregnancy care, your policy may pay for room charges, tests, doctor fees, and ICU care. Some conditions may apply, so always check your policy details.

Most health insurance policies have a 30-day waiting period from the start date. This means illnesses in the first month are not covered. Waiting periods for pre-existing diseases can be up to 48 months, but these do not usually apply to new Zika infections. Always check your policy for details about what is covered and what is not. Share your travel history when buying insurance to make claim processing easier.

How Much Health Insurance Coverage Is Needed for Zika Virus Treatment?

The health insurance cover you need depends on how serious the illness is, what treatment you need, and where you get care. For most people, a cover of ₹5 to ₹10 lakh is a good starting point. This usually covers hospital bills, tests, doctor visits, and care for a typical Zika infection.

Some people may need higher cover. Older adults, pregnant women, or those at risk of serious problems like Guillain-Barré syndrome may need ICU care, long rehab, or care for newborns. These can cost much more. In such cases, a cover of ₹15 to ₹20 lakh may give better protection. Hospitals in big cities also charge more, so keep this in mind. Compare different plans to find what suits you best.