What is Zika virus disease (Zika)?
Zika virus is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in rhesus monkeys through a monitoring network of sylvatic yellow fever. It was subsequently identified in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania. Outbreaks of Zika virus disease have been recorded in Africa, the Americas, Asia and the Pacific.
Genre: Flavivirus
Vector: Aedes mosquitoes (which usually bite during the morning and late afternoon / evening hours)
Reservoir: Unknown (WHO, 2016).
Zika is a disease caused by Zika virus that is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. The most common symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week (CDC. 2016).
What are the symptoms of Zika?
according (CDC, 2016) About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika will get sick. For people who get sick, the illness is usually mild. For this reason, many people might not realize they have been infected.
The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Symptoms typically begin 2 to 7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito
1. Zika virus infection is characterized by low grade fever (less than 38.5 ° C).
2. arthralgia, notably of small joints of hands and feet, with possible swollen joints.
3. myalgia
4. headache, retro-ocular headaches
5. conjunctivitis
6. rash
7. post-infection asthenia which seems to be frequent.
The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear, but is likely to be a few days (2-7 days).
How is Zika transmitted?
Zika virus is primarily transmitted to humans through bites from Aedes mosquitoes, which often live around buildings in urban areas and are usually active during daylight hours (peak biting activity occurs in early mornings and late afternoons).
Some evidence suggests Zika virus can also be transmitted to humans through blood transfusion, perinatal transmission and sexual transmission. However, these modes are very rare. It can also be transmitted from a pregnant mother to her baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth. We do not know how often Zika is transmitted from mother to baby during pregnancy or around the time of birth.
Zika virus disease outbreaks were reported for the first time from the Pacific in 2007 and 2013 (Yap and French Polynesia, respectfully), and in 2015 from the Americas (Brazil and Colombia) and Africa (Cape Verde). In addition, more than 13 countries in the Americas have reported sporadic Zika virus infections indicating rapid geographic expansion of Zika virus (WHO, 2016).
See image Down for Countries where the Zika Virus is spreading.
Who is at risk of being infected?
Anyone who is living in or traveling to an area where Zika virus is found who has not already been infected with Zika virus is at risk for infection, including pregnant women.
Prevention
Mosquitoes and their breeding sites pose a significant risk factor for Zika virus infection. Prevention and control relies on reducing mosquitoes through source reduction (removal and modification of breeding sites) and reducing contact between mosquitoes and people.
This can be done by using insect repellent; wearing clothes (preferably light-coloured) that cover as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows; and sleeping under mosquito nets. It is also important to empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so that places where mosquitoes can breed are removed.
Special attention and help should be given to those who may not be able to protect themselves adequately, such as young children, the sick or elderly.
During outbreaks, health authorities may advise that spraying of insecticides be carried out. Insecticides recommended by the WHO Pesticide Evaluation Scheme may also be used as larvicides to treat relatively large water containers.
Travellers should take the basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites
Treatment
Zika virus disease is usually relatively mild and requires no specific treatment. People sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. There is currently no vaccine available.
according (CDC, 2016)
There is no vaccine or specific medicine to treat Zika virus infections.
Treat the symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Drink fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
- Do not take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.
- If you are taking medicine for another medical condition, talk to your healthcare provider before taking additional medication
Related to
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Read More about Ebola virus disease ... Symptoms ... Treatment
Refernceses
- http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
- http://www.wpro.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs_05182015_zika/en/
- http://www.cdc.gov/zika/disease-qa.html
- http://www.health.govt.nz/our-work/diseases-and-conditions/zika-virus
- http://waer.org/post/upstate-infectious-disease-expert-zika-virus-spreading-not-threat-cny
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