Our zika page is under construction and we are accepting medical professionals from around the world to contribute 'on the ground' reports. If you are a medical professional and want to contribute to pages on this site like this one, please sign up for the MDtravelhealth channel

In the meanwhile probably the most comprehensive site for information on countries where the virus is endemic, and precautions is https://wwwnc.cdc.gov

Culicine mosquitos are mainly daytime biters, particularly the 2 hours around daylight and again before sunset, they will also feed at night if welcomed in by a bright light.

They are difficult to see as they hide behind and under furniture, unlike their Anopheline cousins who prefer ceilings and walls and are easily seen.

They sneak up from behind and bite your ankles or elbows if you are sitting in a chair, so be vigilant in tavernas, open air cafes, cinemas, and airport lounges in less developed countries, as they live in and breed around human habitation.

If you are hunting for an elusive biter in your hotel room, look in the bathroom as the female will be looking for water to lay her eggs after biting you….revenge is sweet!

You are advised to not to wear dark, animal-like, colours.

• Zika is a mosquito-borne virus.

• Symptoms may include fever, skin rash, conjunctivitis (inflammation of the “white” of the eye), muscle and joint pain, tiredness, and headache.

• Symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

• Confirmatory diagnosis can only be confirmed through laboratory tests on blood or other body fluids (urine, saliva, semen).

• Usually requires no specific treatment but if a person has these symptoms they should get plenty of rest, drink fluids and treat pain and fever with common medicines.

• If symptoms worsen, seek medical care and advice.

• No vaccine is currently available.

• Zika virus can be transmitted through sex with a man or woman who has Zika (includes vaginal, anal or oral sex, and the sharing of sex toys).

• Zika can pass through sex even if the person does not have symptoms at the time.

• Zika infection is associated with adverse pregnancy and catastrophic fetal outcomes (congenital brain & neurological abnormalities).

• Zika infection is thought to be linked to Guillain-Barre syndrome as well as other neurological complications (presently being investigated).

• For pregnant women, postpone non-essential travel to areas at high risk of Zika virus transmission.

• Consider postponing non-essential travel to areas at moderate risk of Zika virus transmission until after pregnancy (WHO , CDC, NHS of UK)