Summary about Disease
Zika fever is a disease caused by the Zika virus, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. While many infections are asymptomatic or cause mild symptoms, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly.
Symptoms
Many people infected with Zika virus won't have symptoms or will only have mild symptoms. Common symptoms include:
Fever
Rash
Headache
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Conjunctivitis (red eyes) Symptoms are typically mild and last for several days to a week.
Causes
The primary cause of Zika fever is the Zika virus, transmitted through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes (Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus). Less common causes include:
Mother to child transmission during pregnancy.
Sexual transmission.
Blood transfusion (very rare).
Laboratory exposure.
Medicine Used
There is no specific antiviral medicine to treat Zika fever. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
Rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Take pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol) to reduce fever and pain. Avoid aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue fever has been ruled out to reduce the risk of bleeding.
If symptoms worsen, seek medical advice.
Is Communicable
Yes, Zika virus is communicable, primarily through mosquito bites. However, it can also be transmitted through:
Sexual contact with an infected person.
From a pregnant woman to her fetus.
Rarely, through blood transfusion.
Precautions
Prevent Mosquito Bites:
Use insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2-undecanone.
Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens.
Reduce mosquito breeding grounds by emptying standing water from containers.
Practice Safe Sex:
Use condoms correctly and consistently or abstain from sex during and after travel to areas with Zika. The CDC recommends different durations based on circumstances.
Pregnant Women:
Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with Zika. If travel is unavoidable, strictly adhere to mosquito bite prevention measures.
Travelers:
Be aware of the risk of Zika in travel destinations and take precautions accordingly.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a Zika outbreak can vary significantly depending on several factors, including:
Geographic Location: Areas with favorable conditions for mosquito breeding (warm, humid climates) may experience longer outbreaks.
Mosquito Control Efforts: Effective mosquito control measures can help shorten outbreaks.
Population Immunity: As more people become infected and develop immunity, the outbreak may eventually subside.
Public Health Interventions: Timely and effective public health interventions, such as education campaigns and travel advisories, can influence the outbreak's duration. Outbreaks can last for several months to a year or more. Sporadic cases may continue to occur even after an outbreak has officially ended.
How is it diagnosed?
Zika virus infection is diagnosed through laboratory testing of blood or urine. Tests may include:
Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR): Detects the virus's genetic material and is most accurate when performed soon after the onset of symptoms.
Antibody tests (e.g., ELISA, PRNT): Detect antibodies that the body produces in response to the Zika virus. These tests are more useful later in the course of the illness but can sometimes produce false positives due to cross-reactivity with other flaviviruses like dengue. Diagnosis can be complex and may require multiple tests.
Timeline of Symptoms
Incubation Period: The time from mosquito bite to symptom onset is typically 3-14 days.
Symptom Duration: Symptoms usually last for several days to a week.
Resolution: Most people recover fully without lasting complications. However, in pregnant women, the risk to the fetus remains a concern throughout the pregnancy.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy: Zika virus infection during pregnancy poses a serious risk to the fetus, potentially causing microcephaly and other birth defects. Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with Zika.
Sexual Transmission: Zika virus can be transmitted sexually, even by individuals who do not have symptoms.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): There is an association between Zika virus infection and GBS, a rare neurological disorder.
Asymptomatic Infections: Many people infected with Zika virus do not develop symptoms, making prevention and testing important, especially for pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant.
Travel Advisories: Travelers should stay informed about travel advisories related to Zika virus and take appropriate precautions.