Symptoms and signs
Most people with Zika virus infection are asymptomatic. Some people may experience a mild, short-lived illness for 2–7 days. Symptoms and signs of clinical illness may include two or more of the following: fever, rash, conjunctivitis, myalgia, arthralgia/arthritis, headache, retroorbital pain and/or pruritus
Diagnosis
Zika virus can be detected by PCR testing of blood during the symptomatic period. Samples should be sent to the Rare and Imported Pathogens Laboratory (RIPL) for testing with two forms: the standard local laboratory request form and the RIPL request form. The RIPL form must mention the following:
- pregnancy status and gestational age
- travel history
- clinical details.