Zika Virus
Frequently Asked Questions for the General Public
Version 1.13: 04/11/2016
What is Zika?
Zika is a viral infection that usually causes a mild illness that typically lasts between 2 and 7 days.
80% of people who become infected by Zika virus have no symptoms. Zika virus is mainly spread
through the bite of a mosquito that is found in certain countries.
Infection with Zika virus has been strongly linked with a serious birth condition called microcephaly.
Microcephaly means a baby born with an unusually small head. In these cases, the baby’s brain may
not have formed properly during pregnancy. Cases of a neurological illness (called Guillain Barré
Syndrome) possibly caused by Zika virus infection are also being studied.
A number of cases of person to person spread have been reported, through sex.
What are the symptoms of Zika?
An estimated three out of four people infected with Zika virus do not have symptoms at all.
For those who have symptoms, Zika virus generally causes a mild illness that lasts between 2 and 7
days. The time between being infected by a mosquito bite and developing symptoms is usually
between 3 and 12 days. Elderly people and those with weakened immune systems e.g. people living
with cancer, may have more severe symptoms, but full recovery is usually the rule.
The most common symptoms include:

mild fever

muscle or joint pains

headache

itchy rash

conjunctivitis (sore eye)
HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
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Zika VirusFrequently Asked Questions for the General Public
version 1.13 04/11/2016
How is Zika spread?
Zika virus is spread when an infected mosquito bites a person.
Other less common possible forms of transmission include:

From mother to baby during pregnancy or childbirth

From an infected partner during unprotected sex (without a condom)

From a blood transfusion
Zika virus is not spread by the following:

regular social contact

usage of communal household utensils

caring for someone with Zika virus
How is Zika spread from mother to baby?
It is currently thought that Zika virus may be transmitted from mother to baby from their shared
blood supply during pregnancy. For more information on Zika virus and pregnancy please see HPSC
website.
How is Zika spread through sexual contact?
Zika virus can be passed between sexual partners. This is more likely if the man had symptoms of
Zika virus infection. For this reason, it is important to practice safe sex (by wearing a condom) with a
partner who has recently returned from, or is living in, an affected area.
Research has shown that Zika virus can be found in a man’s semen for up to 6 months after
symptoms have started.
For advice on how to prevent sexual transmission see information in the graphic below.
HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
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Zika VirusFrequently Asked Questions for the General Public
version 1.13 04/11/2016
How can I prevent spreading Zika through sexual contact?
I am a MAN
who travelled
to an affected
area
Use condoms for
duration of
pregnancy
Yes
Is your
partner
pregnant?
Use condoms :
I was ill with
symptoms of
Zika
No
*For duration of stay in affected area
*for 6 months after your symptoms end
Use condoms :
I was not ill with
Zika
*For 6 months after return from affected area
Use condoms for
duration of
pregnancy
Yes
I am a
PREGNANT
woman
*For duration fo stay in affected area
Did your
partner travel
to an affected
area?
Yes
Did you travel to
affected area?
No
No
Did your partner
travel to an
affected area?
Yes
No
I am a woman
trying to get
pregnant
You travelled to an
affected area
WITHOUT your
partner
You travelled to an
affected area WITH
your partner
Tell your doctor about your travel
history to an affected area
Postpone travel to an affected
area
Use condoms for 6 months
(see advice for men above)
*Consider postponing travel to an affected area
*Follow travel advice if going to an affected area
*If you were ill with Zika, you should delay pregnancy for at least
8 weeks after you became ill with Zika
*If you were not ill with Zika, you should delay pregnancy for
8 weeks after returning from an affected area
Use condoms for 6 months
(see advice for men above)
These recommendations are precautionary and may be revised as more information on sexual
transmission becomes available.
HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
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Zika VirusFrequently Asked Questions for the General Public
version 1.13 04/11/2016
Can Zika be spread through blood?
Zika virus can be transmitted through blood, but it is not common. People who have travelled to
affected areas should not give blood (www.giveblood.ie).
How is Zika treated?
There is no vaccine or specific drug for Zika virus. However, treatment consists of relieving pain,
fever and any other symptom that inconveniences the patient. To prevent dehydration, patients
should control the fever, rest and drink plenty of water.
How is Zika diagnosed?
Zika virus infection can be diagnosed in a patient who has Zika symptoms and a travel history to an
affected area. Laboratory tests are currently available for blood and urine for symptomatic patients
recently returned from an affected area.
Have cases of Zika been diagnosed in Ireland?
Zika virus infection has been diagnosed in a small number of travellers returning from affected areas.
All have recovered fully.
Are people in Ireland at risk of Zika?
Zika virus can be imported into Ireland in a traveller returning from an affected area. The virus is
mainly spread through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, which is not present in Ireland. This
type of mosquito is unlikely to establish in Ireland in the near future as the Irish temperature is not
consistently high enough for it to breed.
What countries are affected by Zika?
Currently, outbreaks of Zika virus are occurring in some countries in South and Central America,
South East Asia, the Caribbean and the Pacific Islands. It is likely that Zika virus will spread to other
countries where the Aedes mosquito which spreads the virus is found. For an up to date list of
countries affected by Zika virus please refer to the HPSC website. Of note, when a country is
classified as an affected country, the risk is considered to be the same for any part of the country.
HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
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Zika VirusFrequently Asked Questions for the General Public
version 1.13 04/11/2016
What is the current travel advice?
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFA) provides guidance to travellers that is updated
regularly. Please consult the DFA website and click on the relevant country. Further information on
areas affected by this outbreak is available from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and
Control. It is important to check this information prior to any trips, as the situation could change
rapidly.
How can I protect myself from being bitten by mosquitoes?

Protect skin from exposure to mosquitoes by wearing long sleeves, long trousers and hats

Use mosquito repellent as recommended by health authorities and according to instructions
on the label

A suitable mosquito repellent (such as DEET) can be obtained from your local pharmacy

DEET is safe to use during pregnancy and while breastfeeding but only in concentrations less
than 50%.

DEET is only safe for babies aged 2 months and older

If using sunscreen, mosquito repellent should be applied after sunscreen.

If you sleep during the day, protect yourself with insecticide-treated mosquito netting

Identify and eliminate possible mosquito breeding sites, such as standing collections of
water
Further information on preventing mosquito bites is available from the HPSC website.
What do I do if I’m living / working in an area where Zika virus is circulating?
If you become ill you should contact your local health care provider who will be able to advise on
your individual circumstances.
HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
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Zika VirusFrequently Asked Questions for the General Public
version 1.13 04/11/2016
What do I do if I am travelling to an area where Zika virus is circulating?

All travellers going to an area affected by Zika virus should take measures to prevent
mosquito bites. For example using mosquito repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and long
trousers and using mosquito nets for sleeping

Travellers should prevent sexual transmission by using condoms for the duration of their
stay in an affected area

Women who are pregnant or are trying to become pregnant should consult their doctor or
seek advice from a travel clinic before travelling to a country affected by Zika virus. They
should consider postponing their travel to affected areas. Further information on advice for
women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, is available in the Zika and
Pregnancy FAQ.

Travellers that have weakened immune system (such as people living with cancer) or severe
chronic illnesses, should consult their doctor or seek advice from a travel clinic before
travelling to an affected area

Irish citizens who live in affected areas should also take measures to prevent mosquito bites
and sexual transmission

People showing symptoms suggestive of Zika virus infection within 10 days after returning
from an affected area should contact their healthcare provider
Please see further travel advice on the HPSC website.
What do I do if I’m returning to Ireland from an area where Zika virus is
circulating?
If you become ill upon your return to Ireland, you should contact your doctor for assessment and let
him/her know of your recent travel history to an affected area.
What activities are not a risk?
Zika virus is not spread by regular social contact or caring for someone with Zika virus.
HSE-Health Protection Surveillance Centre
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