Zika virus spreads through mosquito bites which usually begins with mild fever, rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis. These symptoms last from a few days to a week or two.
The Pan American Health Organization, in May 2015, issued an alert confirming the first Zika virus infection in Brazil. The notorious epidemic led to several reports stating Zika virus disease as a cause of Guillain-Barre syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to babies with severe birth defects and poor pregnancy results.
Knowing about this deadly virus and the further damage it causes is extremely important, to stay safe and protected.
Symptoms
- Symptoms are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya as the same mosquitoes transmit Zika virus too.
- Nearly 1 in 5 people with Zika virus infection become ill.
- Common symptoms: Fever, rash conjunctivitis, joint pain, muscle pain and headache.
- Illness is mild, lasts for a few days to 1-2 weeks.
- Hospitalization in case of serious illness is uncommon.
- In rare cases, death may occur.
Diagnosis
- Check with the doctor as soon as you develop the above symptoms.
- Go for blood tests to confirm the infection.
Transmission
- Virus gets transmitted through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, especially the species, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus. These mosquitoes are aggressive day-time biters.
- Studies also report spreading of the virus through sexual contact and blood transfusion.
Treatment
- Till now, no official vaccination is available for the disease. However, Indian scientists have claimed to have developed a vaccine for Zika virus disease that is still under approval.
- The patient is advised to take ample rest and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
- Try to prevent mosquito bites for the first week of Zika virus illness.
For Pregnant Women
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “We do not know the risk to the infant, if a woman is infected with Zika virus while she is pregnant. The virus will not cause infections in an infant that is conceived after the virus is cleared from the infected blood. There is currently no evidence that Zika virus infection poses a risk of birth defects in future pregnancies. A women contemplating pregnancy, who has recently recovered from Zika virus infection, should consult her healthcare provider after recovering.”
Microcephaly and Zika
Microcephaly is a birth defect. If a baby suffers from microcephaly, the baby’s head will be much smaller than expected, when compared to the babies of same age and sex. Researchers are also studying the possible link between Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this lifelong condition.
Prevention
- There is no vaccine present to prevent this disease. Therefore, preventing mosquito bites should be the primary preventive intervention.
- One should avoid visiting to those countries where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred.
- Use mosquito repellents and sleep under mosquito nets.
- Cover all body parts if going outside.
- If you have Zika, avoid mosquito bites to protect others from getting sick too.
Reference: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, February 1, 2016
Image Courtesy: Vox, plannedparenthood, bionatureplusreview, cnn.