The Symptoms of Zika Virus
The Zika Virus
This is a viral infection-disease that is mosquito-borne, it is majorly seen in subtropical and tropical parts of the world. Some infected with the Zika virus experience no signs and symptoms, while others experience muscle pain , rash and mild fever. Other symptoms of Zika virus are; general feeling of discomfort, red eyes (conjunctivitis) and headache. This virus infection is said to cause miscarriages among infected pregnant mothers and it is also linked to a deadly congenital brain disease known as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is also a neurological disorders.
The Zika virus vaccine is yet to be developed. So preventing mosquito bites and reducing mosquito habitats is the best prevention for now.
The Symptoms of Zika Virus
Four out of five infected people have no signs or symptoms of the Zika virus. It takes about two to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito before the symptoms are noticed. The symptoms of Zika virus Most disease include:
• Rash
• Mild fever
• Red eyes (conjunctivitis)
• Headache
• Joint or muscle pain
In about a week, most people recover fully.
Should I See a Doctor?
If you think you or a family member may have the virus infection, it is advisable you see a doctor immediately, especially if you have been to a place where there is an ongoing outbreak of the virus infection. Blood tests taken for Zika virus or similar diseases like chikungunya or dengue viruses was developed by CDC.
What Causes the Zika Virus?
Through the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito, the Zika virus is easily transmitted. This infected Aedes species can be found all over the world. In 1947, it was first identified in the Zika Valley in Africa but southeastern and southern Asia, the Pacific Islands and the Americas have reported outbreaks ever since the discovery.
The virus enters the mosquito when the mosquito bites an infected person with a Zika virus, then that mosquito bites another individual the virus goes into the bloodstream of that person .
There have been reports of the virus spreading through blood transfusion and sexual contact.
What are the Risk factors of Zika?
Below are factors that increases your chances of developing Zika virus disease and they are:
• Living or traveling in areas where there have been outbreaks. Your chances of getting the virus increases by being in tropical and subtropical areas that have exposure of the virus. Examples of the high-risk areas that have the mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus include islands of the Pacific region, a number of countries in Central, Puerto Rico and South Florida, South and North America, and islands near West Africa. The infected Aedes species mosquito can be found worldwide and chances that the outbreaks will continue to spread to new regions is high.
• Having unprotected sex. There have been cases reported on the sexual transmission of the Zika virus. The CDC advises condom use during all sexual contact for men with a pregnant sex partner or sexual abstinence during pregnancy especially if the man has traveled to certain high risk areas.
Are there any complications to the Zika Virus?
This virus infection has been linked to miscarriage among infected pregnant mothers and it is also linked to a deadly congenital brain disease known as microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome, which is also a neurological disorders.
You will likely be asked about your medical and travel history by your doctor, so be sure to describe them in detail especially your international trips, the dates and countries you and your sexual partner have been to and any contact you may have had with mosquitoes. Ask for tests that are available in your area, that is for Zika virus or chikungunya virus or dengue virus, these viruses are spread by the same mosquitoes.
It is recommended that pregnant women with a history of recent travel to a high-risk area should be tested two to 12 weeks after her arrival.
After a inconclusive, negative or positive results, healthcare providers may:
• Using a hollow needle inserted into the uterus take a sample of amniotic fluid in order to test for the virus
• Do an ultrasound to detect any damages of the brain or microcephaly.
More information about the zika virus can be found at The Centers of Disease Control & Prevention website.
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