Zika virus is an arthropod-borne flavivirus transmitted by mosquitoes. The virus is related to other flaviviruses including dengue virus, yellow fever virus, and West Nile virus. Clinical manifestations of Zika virus infection occur in approximately 20 percent of patients and include acute onset of low-grade fever with maculopapular pruritic rash, arthralgia (notably small joints of hands and feet), or conjunctivitis (nonpurulent).
Acute sample required . Serum is positive for up to 5 days after onset of symptoms. Urine is positive for up to 10 days after onset of symptoms
Zika virus infection is often asymptomatic but when symptomatic the infection usually presents as an influenza-like syndrome, often mistaken with other arboviral infections like zika or chikungunya.
Dengue infection may cause a rash that could be confused with measles, rubella or Zika
Microbiology - Virology
PARB
Please collect a dedicated tube for PCR testing.
CHL separating - send tube directly to Virology. Referral lab - see referral section below for instruction
Testing is batched daily Monday-Friday at approximately 9.30am, with results available from mid-afternoon.
10 days
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