Zika virus had been relatively little studied until the major outbreak in 2015. There is no vaccine to prevent or medicine to treat Zika. Treatment consists of relieving pain, fever, and any other symptom causing the patient discomfort. Advice to pregnant women is to avoid any risk of infection so far as possible, as once infected there is little that can be done beyond supportive treatment. The symptoms of Zika fever can be treated as follows:
Travelers can protect themselves from this disease by taking steps to prevent mosquito bites. When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes have been reported, use insect repellent, wear long sleeves and pants, and stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.