Do you have Zika virus? Signs and symptoms

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people infected with Zika virus won’t even know they have it as they have no symptoms. So how do you know if you have it?

Jim Fredericks, of the National Pest Management Association, said earlier this year that it is important to stay alert. “I don’t know that we need to be worried [about Zika specifically], but we always need to be aware of mosquitoes and concerned about mosquito bites,” he said. “The mosquitos that transmit this particular diesase are in the United States already, but in order for transmission to occur, infected people need to be here [as well].”

In addition to being transmitted through mosquito bites, a recent report in The New England Journal of Medicine stated that evidence now shows that the virus can also be transmitted sexually.

A new concern with the Zika virus is a link with Guillain-Barre syndrome. According to a study published in The Lancet, between October 2013 and April 2014, French Polynesia experienced both the largest Zika virus outbreak ever at the time, as well as an unusual increase in Guillain-Barre syndrome, suggesting a possible association between the two.

The only way to definitively diagnose Zika virus is through saliva and urine tests. Many never seek medical attention because the symptoms are so mild. The World Health Organization states that Zika can also be misdiagnosed as dengue. So what are the symptoms?

• Joint pain is one of the most common symptoms
• Rashes beyond what typically seen with the usual mosquito bite
• Headache lasting 2 to 7 days
• Mild fever
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
• Muscle pain
• Intense lower back pain
• Temporary paralysis
• Fatigue

Care for Zika mainly focuses on treating symptoms. Get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, take acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain, avoid aspirin and other NSAIDS until dengue is ruled out, to reduce bleeding risks.

If you do have Zika, do what you can to prevent mosquito bites to avoid spreading the virus to other people.