Summary about Disease
Zika virus disease is an illness caused by the Zika virus, which is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes mosquitoes. While many people infected with Zika virus won't have symptoms or will only experience mild symptoms, Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects.
Symptoms
Many people infected with Zika virus won't have symptoms. When symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and can include:
Fever
Rash
Headache
Joint pain
Muscle pain
Conjunctivitis (red eyes)
Causes
Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of infected Aedes species mosquitoes (*Aedes aegypti* and *Aedes albopictus*). It can also be spread:
From a pregnant woman to her fetus.
Through sexual contact.
Through blood transfusion (very rare).
Through laboratory exposure.
Medicine Used
There is no specific medicine to treat Zika virus infection. Treatment focuses on relieving symptoms:
Rest
Drink plenty of fluids
Take acetaminophen (Tylenol) or paracetamol to relieve fever and pain. Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) until dengue has been ruled out.
Is Communicable
Yes, Zika virus is communicable. It can be spread through:
Mosquito bites from an infected mosquito.
Sexual contact with an infected person.
From a pregnant woman to her fetus.
Precautions
To prevent Zika virus infection:
Avoid 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 to keep mosquitoes out.
Sleep under a mosquito net if you are outside or in a room that is not well screened.
Practice safe sex: Use condoms correctly and consistently or abstain from sex.
Pregnant women should avoid travel to areas with Zika.
If you have Zika, protect others from getting sick by preventing mosquito bites and using condoms or abstaining from sex.
How long does an outbreak last?
The duration of a Zika outbreak varies and depends on factors such as mosquito control efforts, climate, population immunity, and public health interventions. Outbreaks can last for several months to years in affected areas.
How is it diagnosed?
Zika virus infection is diagnosed through laboratory testing of blood or urine samples. The tests look for the presence of the virus or antibodies produced by the body in response to the virus. RT-PCR is used to detect the virus itself, while serological tests detect antibodies.
Timeline of Symptoms
If symptoms occur, they typically begin 3-14 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The symptoms usually last for several days to a week.
Important Considerations
Pregnancy: Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects, including microcephaly (a condition where the baby's head is smaller than expected). Pregnant women or those planning to become pregnant should take extra precautions.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Zika virus infection has been linked to GBS, a rare autoimmune disorder that can cause muscle weakness and paralysis.
Travel: Check travel advisories from health organizations (like the CDC and WHO) before traveling to areas with Zika.
Reporting: Healthcare providers are often required to report confirmed cases of Zika virus infection to public health authorities.