Zika virus infection
Zika is a viral infection that usually causes a mild illness that typically lasts between 2 to 7 days. 80% of people who become infected by Zika virus have no symptoms. Zika virus is spread through the bite of a mosquito that is 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. An increase in cases of a neurological illness (called Guillan Barre Syndrome) have also been reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred.
Zika virus infection is a notifiable disease under the Infectious Disease Regulations. Cases should be notified to the Medical Officer of Health.