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The Zika virus is typically transmitted to humans through mosquito bites in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. The majority of those infected with the Zika virus show no signs or symptoms. Some persons experience a slight fever, rash, and muscle ache. Even in those who show no symptoms of infection, the Zika virus can cause brain or nervous system disorders such as Guillain-Barre syndrome in rare situations. The Zika virus infection is also known as Zika, Zika fever, or Zika virus sickness.
Women who become infected with the Zika virus while pregnant are more likely to miscarry. Infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy also raises the chance of major birth problems in newborns, including microcephaly, a potentially fatal brain disorder.
Researchers are developing a Zika virus vaccine. For the time being, the most effective strategy to minimize infection is to avoid mosquito bites and reduce mosquito habitats.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ZIKA VIRUS?
Four out of every five patients infected with the Zika virus show no signs or symptoms. When symptoms do appear, they usually appear two to fourteen days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. Symptoms normally last approximately a week, and the majority of people recover completely.
The following are the most prevalent Zika virus signs and symptoms:
- Mild fever
- Rash
- Muscle ache
- Headache
- Eye pain
- Fatigue or an overall sense of unease
- Joint pain, especially in the hands and feet
- Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
- Other indications and symptoms could be:
- Pain in the abdomen
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ZIKA VIRUS?
The Zika virus is most commonly transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. Two aedes species mosquitoes are known to carry the virus and can be found all over the world.
When a mosquito bites someone infected with the Zika virus, the virus infects the mosquito. The virus then enters the bloodstream of the person who is bitten by the infected mosquito and produces an infection.
The Zika virus can also be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy.
Sexual intercourse can potentially carry the infection from one individual to another. People can get the virus through blood transfusions or organ donation in some situations.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ZIKA VIRUS?
The following factors increase your chances of contracting the Zika virus:
- Living or traveling in places where outbreaks have occurred: Being in tropical or subtropical places increases your chances of contracting the Zika virus. Various Pacific Islands, several countries in Central, South, and North America, and islands near West Africa are particularly vulnerable. Because the mosquitos that transmit the Zika virus are distributed all over the world, outbreaks are likely to spread to new areas.
The majority of instances of Zika virus infection in the United States have been documented in visitors returning from other countries. However, mosquitos carrying the Zika virus can be found in various locations of the United States and its territories. Local transmission has been observed in Florida, Texas, the United States Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.
- Having intercourse without protection: The Zika virus can be passed from person to person via intercourse. Unprotected sex can raise your risk of Zika virus infection for up to three months after you return from your trip. As a result, pregnant women whose sex partners have recently lived or traveled to an area where the Zika virus is prevalent should use a condom during sexual activity or refrain from sexual activity until the baby is born. All other couples can lower their risk of sexual transmission by using a condom or refraining from sexual activity for up to three months after returning from their trip.
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF ZIKA VIRUS?
Pregnant women who are infected with the Zika virus have an increased risk of miscarriage, premature birth, and stillbirth. Infection with the Zika virus during pregnancy raises the chance of significant birth abnormalities in infants (congenital Zika syndrome), including:
- Mirocephaly, which is characterized by a significantly smaller than normal brain and head size, as well as a partially collapsed skull.
- Brain injury and shrinkage of brain tissue
- Eye damage
- Joint issues, such as limited motion
- Reduced bodily movement as a result of excessive muscle tone after birth
Adults infected with the Zika virus may develop brain or nervous syste
HOW IS ZIKA VIRUS DIAGNOSED?
Your doctor will almost certainly inquire about your medical and travel history. Make sure to disclose any international visits in detail, including the countries you and your sexual partner visited, the dates of travel, and any mosquito encounter.
If your doctor suspects you are infected with the Zika virus, he or she may request a blood or urine test to confirm the diagnosis. Blood and urine samples can also be used to screen for other mosquito-borne illnesses.
If you are pregnant and have no signs of Zika virus infection, but you or your partner have recently gone to an area where Zika virus transmission is active, ask your doctor if you should be tested.
If you are pregnant and are at risk of Zika virus infection, your doctor may additionally advise you to undergo one of the following procedures:
- An ultrasound to check for prenatal brain abnormalities
- Amniocentesis, which includes inserting a hollow needle into the uterus to remove a sample of amniotic fluid (amniocentesis) to be tested for the Zika virus.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ZIKA VIRUS?
There is no specific treatment for Zika virus infection. Get lots of rest and drink enough of water to avoid dehydration to help reduce symptoms. Acetaminophen (Tylenol, among others) is an over-the-counter (OTC) medicine that may help reduce joint discomfort and fever.
The symptoms of Zika virus infection are similar to those of other mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever. Consult your doctor if you've recently traveled to a location where mosquito-borne sickness is widespread. Take no ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and other similar medications), naproxen sodium (Aleve), or aspirin until your doctor has ruled out dengue fever. These drugs may raise the risk of significant dengue fever complications.
HOW CAN ZIKA VIRUS BE PREVENTED?
There is currently no vaccine available to defend against the Zika virus. However, you can take precautions to lower your chance of infection.
If you or your partner are pregnant or attempting to get pregnant, the following precautions may help reduce your risk of Zika virus infection:
- Travel should be properly planned: The CDC advises all pregnant women to avoid traveling to places where the Zika virus is spreading.
If you're trying to conceive, talk to your doctor about whether your or your partner's forthcoming travel plans put you at risk of Zika virus infection. Your doctor may advise you and your spouse to wait two to three months following your trip before attempting to conceive.
- Make sure you're having safe sex: If you have a partner who lives in or has gone to an area where the Zika virus is spreading, the CDC advises abstaining from sexual activity during pregnancy or using a condom throughout all sexual activity.
If you live in or plan to visit places where the Zika virus is known to exist, take the following precautions to limit your risk of mosquito bites:
- Stay in a well-screened or air-conditioned place: The mosquitos that transmit the Zika virus are most active from dawn to dusk, although they can bite at any time of day or night. If you sleep outside, consider sleeping under a mosquito bed net.
- Put on protective clothes: Wear a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, socks, and shoes while going into mosquito-infested areas.
- Apply insect repellant: Permethrin can be applied to clothing, shoes, camping gear, and bed netting. You can also buy clothing that already contains permethrin. Use a repellent with DEET, picaridin, or one of the other active chemicals listed with the Environmental Protection Agency and recognized to be effective against mosquitoes on your skin. These repellents have been shown to be safe and effective when used as prescribed, even for pregnant and breastfeeding women.
- Reduce mosquito breeding grounds: Mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus typically reside in and around homes, breeding in standing water gathered in containers such as animal bowls, flower pots, and discarded automobile tires. To help reduce mosquito populations, drain any sources of standing water at least once a week.
Blood donation and the Zika virus
In certain circumstances, the Zika virus has been passed from person to person via blood products (blood transfusion). To limit the danger of Zika virus transmission through blood transfusion, all blood donations in the United States and its territories must be screened for the virus. If you had Zika or recently traveled to a region where the Zika virus is prevalent, your local blood donation center may advise you to wait four weeks before donating blood.