By kkhealthcarecentre 
Key Facts
Zika virus disease is caused by a virus spread by Aedes mosquitoes. People with this illness typically experience mild symptoms such as fever, a skin rash, and conjunctivitis, lasting about 2-7 days. At present, there’s no specific treatment or vaccine available. The best prevention method is avoiding mosquito bites. The virus is present in regions like Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.
Introduction
Zika is an emerging virus transmitted by mosquitoes, first discovered in 1947 in Uganda in monkeys, and later found in humans in 1952 in Uganda and Tanzania. Zika outbreaks have been reported in Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific.
Details
– Type of virus: Flavivirus
– Spread by: Aedes mosquitoes, which usually bite in the mornings and late afternoons/evenings
– Current animal reservoir: Unknown
Signs and Symptoms
The time between exposure to the virus and symptom onset isn’t clearly defined but is likely a few days. Zika symptoms resemble those of other viral infections like dengue, including fever, rashes, conjunctivitis, joint and muscle pain, fatigue, and headaches. These tend to be mild and last from 2-7 days. Major outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 pointed to potential neurological and autoimmune issues connected to Zika. In Brazil, there has been a rise in Zika infections and cases of babies born with microcephaly. Ongoing investigations are gathering evidence on the connection between Zika and microcephaly, though more research is necessary. Other causes are also under study.
Transmission
Zika is transmitted to humans through bites from infected Aedes mosquitoes, mainly Aedes aegypti in tropical areas. This mosquito also spreads diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The first major Zika outbreaks were noted in the Pacific in 2007 and 2013, and later in the Americas and Africa in 2015. Over 13 countries in the Americas have reported occasional Zika infections, showing the virus’s rapid spread.
Prevention
Mosquitoes and their breeding areas significantly increase the risk of Zika infection. Controlling this involves reducing mosquitoes through eliminating breeding sites and minimizing mosquito-human contact. Effective measures include using insect repellents, wearing protective clothing, installing screens, closing doors and windows, and sleeping under nets. It’s also crucial to clear or cover water-holding containers like buckets and flower pots to remove breeding spots. Special considerations should be given to those unable to protect themselves, such as children and elderly individuals. During outbreaks, health officials might suggest insecticide spraying. WHO-recommended larvicides can also treat large water containers. Travelers should follow these precautions to avoid mosquito bites.
Treatment
Generally, Zika disease is mild and requires no specific treatment. Those infected should rest, stay hydrated, and manage pain and fever with standard medications. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical advice. Currently, no vaccine is available for Zika.