Zika Virus

INTRODUCTION:

A bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito spreads the Zika Virus to people. The virus was first discovered in 1952 when the very first human cases of Zika were detected. Since 1952, outbreaks of Zika have been reported in tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, and Pacific Islands. Before 2007, at least 14 cases of Zika had been documented, although other cases were likely to have occurred and were not reported. Because the symptoms of Zika are similar to those of many other diseases, many cases may not have been recognized. (A)

 

Pan American Health Organization (aka: PAHO) issued an alert of the first confirmed Zika Virus infection in Brazil in May 2015. Then on February 1, 2016 the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern (PHEIC) because the Zika Virus has been reported in many other countries and territories and is likely to continue to spread into new areas. (A) 

 

SYMPTOMS:

The most common symptoms if one is infected with the Zika Virus are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (also known as red eyes). Some individuals might also have muscle pain and headaches. Since these symptoms  are very common daily symptoms people experience most people infected with the Zika Virus wont know they have the disease because they might not even experience symptoms. The period from exposure to symptoms ranges from a few days to a week.(A)

After being bitten by an infected mosquito, people do not get sick enough to go to the hospital and rarely die. The virus usually remains in the blood for about a week but it can be found in infected individuals where the virus lasting longer than one week. Once infected, the individual is protected from future infections. (A)

DIAGNOSIS: 

The ways in which one can treat their symptoms is to get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Medicine such as Tylenol and or paracetamol will relieve fever and pain. However, it is strongly advised NOT to take aspirin or other non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to a mosquito through mosquito bites. 

An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people.(B) Currently there is no vaccine to prevent the Zika Virus so people are advised to avoid mosquito bites at all times. The mosquitoes that spread the virus also spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. When you are traveling to a different country where there is a chance of mosquitoes that spreads viruses make sure you are protected. It is important that you wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside.
Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

In the case that you have a baby or child, do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age. Make sure that you are dressing your child in clothing that covers arms and legs, or
Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting. Do not apply insect repellent onto a child’s hands, eyes, mouth, and cut or irritated skin. During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected person to another mosquito through mosquito bites. An infected mosquito can then spread the virus to other people. To help prevent others from getting sick, avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness. Zika virus can be spread by a man to his sex partners.

 

We do not know how long the virus is present in the semen of men who have had Zika. We do know that the virus can be present in semen longer than in blood. To help prevent spreading Zika from sex, you can use condoms the right way every time you have sex.  Not having sex is the best way to be sure that someone does not get sexually transmitted Zika virus. If you do always make sure to use a condom because they prevent HIV and other STDs. Not having sex is the best way to be sure that you do not get sexually transmitted Zika virus. These mosquitoes typically lay eggs in and near standing water in things like buckets, bowls, animal dishes, flower pots and vases. 

 

They prefer to bite people, and live indoors and outdoors near people. Mosquitoes that spread chikungunya, dengue, and Zika are aggressive daytime biters. They can also bite at night.Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person already infected with the virus. Infected mosquitoes can then spread the virus to other people through bites.

With the recent outbreaks, the number of Zika cases among travelers visiting or returning to the United States will likely increase. 80% of cases will not be diagnosed.These imported cases could result in local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States. A mother already infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery can pass on the virus to her newborn around the time of birth.

A pregnant woman can pass Zika virus to her fetus during pregnancy. We are studying the adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes associated with Zika virus infection during pregnancy.
To date, there are no reports of infants getting Zika virus through breastfeeding.

Because of the benefits of breastfeeding, mothers are encouraged to breastfeed even in areas where Zika virus is found. Zika virus can be spread by a man to his sex partners. In known cases of likely sexual transmission, the men had Zika symptoms, but the virus can be transmitted before, during, and after symptoms develop. In one case, the virus was spread a few days before symptoms developed. The virus is present in semen longer than in blood. 

 

LINKS:

(A) http://www.cdc.gov/zik

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