Understanding Zika Fever: Symptoms, Spread, and Prevention

Zika fever is a mosquito-borne illness caused by the Zika virus, which belongs to the Flaviviridae family. This disease primarily spreads to humans through mosquito bites. The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has confirmed its presence in Brazil, where the virus has been linked to significant public health concerns, particularly regarding congenital infections during pregnancy.

Is Zika Fever New?

No, it was first reported in Uganda back in 1947 in a Rhesus monkey and later identified in humans in 1952. Before the recent outbreak, it had been documented in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Pacific islands. The current outbreak began in Brazil in 2015, and since then, it has spread to over 20 countries across the Americas, leading to increased cases of microcephaly and other severe birth defects associated with congenital Zika syndrome (CZS) in newborns^[1].

Symptoms of Zika Infection:

Infection with the Zika virus often presents symptoms that are quite mild and similar to those of dengue and chikungunya, including:

• Mild fever.
• Rash.
• Muscle pain.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Conjunctivitis (red eyes).

Generally, the disease lasts anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks, and while serious complications, hospitalization, and fatalities are rare, the risk for pregnant women is particularly alarming, as the virus can cause severe neurological deficits and congenital abnormalities in the fetus^[2].

How Zika Virus Spreads:

The Zika virus is primarily transmitted through bites from daytime-active Aedes mosquitoes, the same species responsible for dengue and chikungunya. These mosquitoes can breed in standing water. Interestingly, about 1 in 5 people infected with Zika show symptoms. Most individuals are often unaware they're infected due to the mild nature of the illness. The incubation period remains uncertain but is estimated to be between 2 to 7 days following a bite from an infected mosquito.

During the first week of an infection, the virus can be found in the blood, allowing for transmission from an infected person to another mosquito, which can then bite and infect another human. Research indicates that the virus can persist in bodily fluids for an extended period, raising concerns about sexual transmission as well^[5].

Effects of Zika:

The Zika virus poses a significant risk to pregnant women, as it can lead to severe birth defects in unborn children, particularly microcephaly (an abnormally small head). Additionally, it may cause a condition known as Guillain-Barre syndrome, characterized by muscle weakness due to peripheral nerve damage^[4]. The implications of congenital Zika syndrome are profound, with affected children often facing long-term developmental challenges and increased morbidity^[3].

Treatment for Zika Fever:

• Currently, there is no specific treatment or vaccine available.
• Rest is crucial.
• Staying hydrated is important, so drink plenty of fluids.
• Over-the-counter medications can help manage fever and body aches.

An Indian pharmaceutical company claims to have developed a potential treatment for Zika, with two vaccines undergoing pre-clinical testing in animals, though further research is necessary to establish their efficacy and safety^[5].

Precautions to Take:

• Avoid mosquito bites, particularly during the day.
• Sleep under mosquito nets.
• Keep windows and doors closed.
• Stay in air-conditioned rooms with sealed entrances to prevent mosquito entry.
• Cover or clean containers that can hold water, like buckets and flower pots, where mosquitoes may breed.
• Wear long-sleeve shirts (preferably light-colored) and long pants.
• Particular care should be taken for children, the sick, pregnant women, and the elderly.
• Health authorities recommend that pregnant women avoid traveling to areas where the virus is prevalent.
• Travelers are advised on guidelines to prevent infection.
• Utilize EPA-registered insect repellents.
• If infected, avoid mosquito bites during the first week of illness.