Zika
Zika is a viral illness spread mostly through the bite of an infected mosquito.
It is commonly transmitted by the dengue mosquito, Ae. aegypti, but also by the Asian Tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus. In Australia, the Asian Tiger mosquito is only found in the Torres Strait.
Most symptoms are mild, however Zika infection in pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
Seasonal risk
Mosquitos are an active part of the Northern Territory (NT) environment.
There have been no reported cases of Zika being contracted in Australia, although large outbreaks can occur in Pacific island countries.
Notifiable disease
Zika is a notifiable disease.
Information for health professionals
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Document | Zika virus – CDNA National Guidelines for Public Health Units | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care |
| Document | Mosquito-borne diseases fact sheet PDF (181.7 KB) | NT Health |
| Tropical Health Orientation Manual for health practitioners in Northern Australia | Zika | Centre for Remote Health |
Information for the public
| Type | Resource | Author |
|---|---|---|
| Webpage | Zika virus | Health direct |
Contact
Contact the Public Health Unit’s Centre for Disease Control.
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