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Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that was first isolated in 1947 in the Zika Forest of Uganda. The virus was only identified as a human pathogen in 1952 during an outbreak in Uganda. Since then, the virus has spread to many countries in Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Western Pacific. In recent years, the virus has also spread to South America, Central America, and the Caribbean. The virus is transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya viruses.
Symptoms of Zika virus infection include fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The symptoms are usually mild and do not require hospitalization. However, the virus can cause more severe complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system, and microcephaly, a birth defect that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and brains.
Zika virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, which can result in congenital Zika syndrome. This syndrome includes microcephaly, but also other birth defects such as hearing loss, vision problems, and joint contractures. Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact and blood transfusions.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment for Zika virus infection. Treatment involves managing the symptoms and preventing complications. Pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant are advised to avoid travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission. Mosquito bite prevention is also important in preventing Zika virus infection.
Zika virus was declared a global health emergency by the World Health Organization in 2016 due to the rapid spread of the virus and the potential for severe complications. In 2019, the WHO removed Zika virus from its list of global health emergencies, but continued to monitor the virus and its impact on public health.
Despite the decrease in reported cases of Zika virus in recent years, the virus remains a concern for public health officials, especially in areas with active transmission. Understanding the fast facts about Zika virus infection is important for prevention and management of the virus.
Prevention is Key
Preventing mosquito bites is the most important way to prevent Zika virus infection. This involves wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, using insect repellent, and staying in air-conditioned or screened-in areas when possible. Getting rid of standing water around the home can also reduce mosquito breeding sites.
Pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should avoid travel to areas with active Zika virus transmission. If travel is necessary, they should take extra precautions to avoid mosquito bites and use condoms during sex to prevent sexual transmission of the virus.
Zika virus can also be transmitted through blood transfusions, so blood banks screen for the virus in donated blood. People who have recently traveled to areas with active Zika virus transmission should wait at least 4 weeks before donating blood to avoid potentially spreading the virus.
Symptoms and Complications
Symptoms of Zika virus infection usually appear within 2-7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). These symptoms usually last for several days to a week and do not require hospitalization.
However, Zika virus can cause more severe complications such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare neurological disorder in which the immune system attacks the nervous system. This can cause muscle weakness and paralysis, and can be life-threatening in severe cases.
Zika virus can also cause microcephaly, a birth defect that causes babies to be born with abnormally small heads and brains. This can lead to developmental delays, intellectual disability, and other neurological problems. Congenital Zika syndrome can also cause other birth defects such as hearing loss, vision problems, and joint contractures.
Transmission
Zika virus is primarily transmitted by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, which also transmits dengue and chikungunya viruses. The virus can also be transmitted through sexual contact and blood transfusions.
Zika virus can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her fetus, which can result in congenital Zika syndrome. Sexual transmission of Zika virus can occur when a person with Zika virus infection has sex with a partner who has not traveled to an area with active Zika virus transmission, but has been exposed to the virus through mosquito bites.
Blood transfusion is another route of transmission for Zika virus, so blood banks screen for the virus in donated blood. People who have recently traveled to areas with active Zika virus transmission should wait at least 4 weeks before donating blood to avoid potentially spreading the virus.
Diagnosis and Treatment
There is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus infection. Treatment involves managing the symptoms and preventing complications.
Healthcare providers can diagnose Zika virus infection by taking a blood or urine sample and testing for the virus. Testing is recommended for people with symptoms of Zika virus infection and for pregnant women who have traveled to areas with active Zika virus transmission.
If you suspect you have Zika virus, you should see a doctor and take steps to avoid mosquito bites to prevent the spread of the virus. Pregnant women with Zika virus infection should receive regular ultrasounds to monitor fetal development and should see a specialist for additional care.
The Bottom Line
Zika virus remains a concern for public health officials, especially in areas with active transmission. Preventing mosquito bites is the most important way to prevent Zika virus infection, and pregnant women and those planning to become pregnant should avoid travel to areas with active transmission.
Understanding the symptoms and complications of Zika virus infection is important for early diagnosis and treatment. While there is no specific treatment or vaccine for Zika virus, managing symptoms and preventing complications can reduce the impact of the virus on public health.
