Yes! mosquito bites cause Zika in Antigua. So if you go to the island, take your precautions. Zika Virus, from the Flaviviridae family, spreads mainly through infected Aedes mosquitoes, active during the day. It can also pass from a pregnant woman to her baby. Zika can cause serious birth defects in babies born to infected mothers, so it is important for pregnant women to take steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites.
This virus is a concern in various parts of the world, including beautiful destinations like Antigua. Authorities have reported the Zika Virus in regions across the world, including parts of Africa, Mexico, Central America, Southeast Asia's tropical areas, South America, the Caribbean, and Oceania.
About Symptoms
Zika virus infection often lacks symptoms, but individuals who do develop them typically experience mild illness within 3-12 days of a mosquito infected bite. Common symptoms include low-grade fever, headache, muscle and joint pain, nausea and vomiting, fatigue, pink eye, and rash. Other possible symptoms include light sensitivity, loss of appetite, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, and dizziness. So, most people recover within 7 days without specific treatment. Also, medical care focuses on managing symptoms and providing support.
On the other hand, if you think that the symptoms are very strong and you are on the Island, you can visit a health center closer to you. If you are in Jolly Harbour, you can go to Antigua Medical Center - Jolly Harbor or Heritage Medical Services. Even if you need to buy some medicine, you can go to Epicurean Fine Foods & Pharmacy. Otherwise, if you are in St. John's, you can go to Mount St. John's Medical Center, Adelin Medical Center or Belmont Clinic.
We hope you don't experience any inconvenience during your trip. If have interest in mosquito diseases in Antigua, we also invite you to read about whether a mosquito bite in Jolly Harbor causes dengue fever.
