What is the Zika virus?
It's a flavivirus, from the same family as dengue and yellow fever, spread through the bite of infected mosquitoes. It can also spread sexually and from mother to child during pregnancy. In Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit, the rainy season (June–October) concentrates most cases due to greater mosquito presence.
What are the symptoms of Zika?
When symptoms occur, they usually last 2 to 7 days:
- Low-grade fever (below 38.5°C / 101.3°F)
- Itchy rash
- Joint pain, especially in hands and feet
- Conjunctivitis (red eyes, without pus)
- Mild headache and muscle pain
Unlike dengue, Zika rarely causes intense pain or bleeding.
How is Zika spread?
- Bite from the Aedes aegypti mosquito, active mainly during the day.
- Sexual contact with an infected person (the virus persists longer in semen than in blood).
- Mother-to-child transmission during pregnancy or delivery.
- It is not spread through saliva, hugging, or sharing food.
How is it diagnosed?
Diagnosis is confirmed with a PCR test on blood or urine during the first 7 days of symptoms, or with IgM antibodies after that period. At Hospital CMQ, results are available the same day.
What is the treatment for Zika?
There is no specific antiviral. Management is supportive:
- Rest and plenty of fluids.
- Acetaminophen for fever and pain (never aspirin or ibuprofen until dengue is ruled out, due to bleeding risk).
- Close monitoring if pregnant, with follow-up ultrasounds.
Everything under one roof
At Hospital CMQ you can get your lab test, see a doctor, and — if you're pregnant — coordinate your follow-up with obstetrics, all on the same day and at the same location.
Have symptoms, or are you pregnant and worried about possible exposure? Message us on WhatsApp and a doctor will guide you right away.
When should you go to the Emergency Room?
Go immediately if you have unusual bleeding, severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or if you're pregnant and had symptoms consistent with Zika. All 3 of our locations have 24-hour emergency care.
How is Zika prevented?
- Use repellent with DEET or icaridin, especially at dawn and dusk.
- Eliminate standing water in plant pots, buckets, or tires around your home.
- Use mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing in areas with active cases.
- Use a condom if your partner traveled to an area with active Zika transmission.
Reviewed by: Dra. Itzel Aguayo, General Medicine, and Dr. David Hernández, Internal Medicine, Hospital CMQ.
Review date: July 2026.
References: World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Mexico's National Institute of Public Health.