Zika Virus Infection

Overview

Zika virus infection is a viral infection typically found in tropical climates. Mosquitoes mostly transmit this virus, by mostly biting people during the day. These mosquitoes usually stay near areas with stagnant water. Usually, people notice rashes when suffering from this condition. In such scenarios, they must rush to their healthcare providers for prompt treatment.

What is Zika Virus Infection?

Zika virus is an arbovirus and the Aedes mosquito primarily transmits it. A Zika virus infection is usually mild and not harmful for most people with some exceptions. If pregnant women are infected with this virus can cause their infants to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations. Hence, it becomes imperative for pregnant women to adopt the necessary preventive measures to stay protected from this condition.

Types of Zika Virus Infection

Two major Zika virus(ZIKV) genotypes have been identified to date- the African and the Asian lineage. The Asian genotype is subdivided into Pacific Island, Southwest Asia, and American strains and The African-ZIKV genotype is subdivided into West African and East African strains.

Asian Genotype of Zika Virus

The Asian genotype of the Zika virus is associated with fever, arthralgia, conjunctivitis, and ophthalmologic anomalies. The Asian-ZIKV genotype can also cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), a rare autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system.

African Genotype of Zika Virus

The African genotype, on the other hand, reportedly causes fever, conjunctivitis and myalgia in the infected patient.

Symptoms of Zika Virus Infection

Most people with the Zika virus infection do not show symptoms in the early stage. Individuals infected with the Zika virus show symptoms 3 to 14 days after infection. People might experience fever, conjunctivitis, muscle pain, and joint pain(Arthralgia). They can also have Zika rash. These rashes are red spots that can be flat, raised or both. Some other symptoms include malaise and headache. The symptoms may last several days to a week and can clear up on their own.

Causes of Zika Virus Infection

Female Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes transmit the Zika virus when biting people. These mosquitoes become infected when they bite someone infected with the virus. This virus then replicates and spreads within the mosquito. So when the infected mosquito bites a healthy person, the virus gets transmitted into their body. The two types of Aedes mosquitoes are the same species that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses. Zika virus can spread through other methods. This virus may spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy. The virus can also spread through the transfusion of blood and blood products.

Zika Virus Diagnosis and Tests

Doctors will ask about the recent travel history and symptoms the patients are experiencing for diagnosis. There are only laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids to confirm this infection. The tests may include a molecular test, this test looks for the presence of the virus in the body.

Another option is serological testing which looks for antibodies the body makes to fight infection. It is important to get tested while the patients still have symptoms. Pregnant women who experience symptoms should visit a doctor for blood or urine testing to check for the virus.

Zika Virus Management and Treatment

Currently, there is no specific treatment available for Zika virus infection. A person with symptoms like rash, fever or joint pain should get plenty of rest and drink fluids. The doctor may prescribe and treat the symptoms with antipyretics and/or analgesics.

Patients should avoid Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs(NSAIDs) until dengue virus infections are ruled out because of bleeding risk. They should seek urgent medical care if the symptoms worsen.

Pregnant women diagnosed with Zika virus should be considered for the monitoring of foetal growth and anatomy program every 3 to 4 weeks. It is recommend visiting a doctor specialising in pregnancy management and either infectious disease or maternal-fetal medicine.

Preventive Measures for Zika Virus Infection

There is no vaccination for Zika virus infection as of now. So, it is vital to avoid mosquito bites to prevent transmission, especially among pregnant women, women of reproductive age and young children. People should wear long-sleeved garments and long pants and use window and door screens to keep away mosquitoes. It is best to avoid areas with standing water or choosing to camp away from lakes or ponds.

Insect repellent is an effective option for keeping away mosquitoes. These insect repellents should contain DEET( 10 % greater than concentration), picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon eucalyptus. Using insect repellents after applying sunscreen or onto clothes as well as the body, and under clothing can prove to be effective in preventing mosquito bites.

Someone infected with the Zika virus should take preventive measures. They should protect themselves from mosquito bites for 3 weeks after symptoms appear. It is because the mosquito that bites them can pass the virus to someone else. People who have returned from a trip with the disease should do the same.

Myths and Facts Related to Zika Virus

Zika virus infection has some myths surrounding it. Here are some of them with facts to prove them wrong.

Myth 1: Zika is a New Kind of Virus
Fact: Zika virus has been known to the medical community for a long time now. It was first detected in Uganda in the 1940s.

Myth 2: Everyone Coming in Contact with Zika Virus Develops Symptoms
Fact: 4 out of 5 people who have Zika virus in their body do not show symptoms.

Myth 3: There are No Lasting Negative Effects of Zika Virus Infection in Men
Fact: If the Zika virus enters men’s bodies, they should abstain from sex or use condoms for up to six months to avoid spreading the disease to their partners.

Myth 4: Nonpregnant Women Infected with Zika Virus Run Risks of Birth Defects in Future Pregnancies
Fact: No evidence suggests that a non-pregnant woman infected with the Zika virus is at risk of related birth defects in future pregnancies, whether they are symptomatic or not.

Myth 5: The Mosquitoes Carrying Zika Can Travel Far
Fact: Mosquitoes that carry the Zika virus tend to travel approximately more than 130 meters from where they are born.