Zika virus is spread to individuals through mosquito bites. The most common symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, rash, joint pain, and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is normally mild with symptoms lasting from numerous days to a week. Severe disease needing hospitalization is uncommon.
In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) provided an alert relating to the first confirmed Zika virus infection in Brazil. The outbreak in Brazil led to reports of Guillain-Barré syndrome and pregnant women giving birth to infants with birth defects and poor pregnancy results.
Symptoms of Zika Virus
- About 1 in 5 people infected with Zika virus end up being ill (i.e., develop Zika).
- The most typical symptoms of Zika are fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes). Other common symptoms consist of muscle pain and headache. The incubation duration (the time from direct exposure to symptoms) for Zika virus disease is not understood, however is most likely to be a couple of days to a week.
- The disease is generally mild with symptoms lasting for several days to a week.
- Zika virus usually remains in the blood of an infected individual for a few days but it can be found longer in some people.
- Severe disease requiring hospitalization is unusual.
- Deaths are unusual.
- The symptoms of Zika are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, illness spread out through the very same mosquitoes that transmit Zika.
- See your doctor if you develop the symptoms described above and have visited an area where Zika is discovered.
- If you have actually recently taken a trip, tell your healthcare provider when and where you traveled.
- Your healthcare provider might order blood tests to look for Zika or other comparable viruses like dengue or chikungunya.
Treatment of Zika Virus
No vaccine or medications are readily available to avoid or treat Zika infections.
Treat the symptoms:
- Get plenty of rest.
- Consume fluids to prevent dehydration.
- Take medication such as acetaminophen to ease fever and pain.
- Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be prevented till dengue can be ruled out to reduce the danger of hemorrhage (bleeding). If you are taking medication for another medical condition, speak with your doctor prior to taking additional medication.
- During the first week of infection, Zika virus can be found in the blood and passed from an infected individual to another mosquito through mosquito bites.
- An infected mosquito can then spread out the virus to other people.
Where has Zika virus been discovered?
- Prior to 2015, Zika virus break outs have occurred in areas of Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
- In May 2015, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) provided an alert regarding the first confirmed Zika virus infections in Brazil.
- Currently, outbreaks are happening in numerous nations.
- Zika virus will continue to spread and it will be tough to identify how the virus will spread over time.
Zika in the United States and its territories:
- No in your area transmitted Zika cases have actually been reported in the continental United States, but cases have actually been reported in returning travelers.
- Locally sent Zika virus has actually been reported in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
- With the recent break outs, the number of Zika cases amongst travelers visiting or going back to the United States will likely increase.
- These imported cases might lead to local spread of the virus in some areas of the United States.
Areas with Zika
What measures should be required to prevent Zika virus infection?
Prevention involves reducing mosquito populations and preventing bites, which take place generally during the day. Eliminating and controlling Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding sites minimizes the opportunities that Zika, chikungunya, and dengue will be transferred. An integrated response is required, involving action in several areas, including health, education, and the environment.
To remove and manage the mosquito, it is suggested to:
- Prevent enabling standing water in outside containers (flower pots, bottles, and containers that gather water) so that they do not end up being mosquito breeding sites.
- Cover domestic water tanks so that mosquitoes can not enter.
- Prevent building up garbage: Put it in closed plastic bags and keep it in closed containers.
- Unblock drains that might build up standing water.
- Usage screens and mosquito webs in doors and windows to reduce contact between mosquitoes and people.
To avoid mosquito bites, it is advised that individuals who live in areas where there are cases of the disease, as well as travelers and, especially, pregnant women ought to:
- Cover exposed skin with long-sleeved shirts, pants, and hats
- Usage repellents advised by the health authorities (and apply them as suggested on the label).
- Sleep under mosquito internet.
- People with symptoms of Zika, dengue, or chikungunya should go to a health center.