What is Zika virus?

Zika virus is an infectious disease spread primarily through the bites of infected mosquitoes. Zika virus does not cause serious symptoms in most people. However, if a woman is infected while she is pregnant, it may increase the risk of certain birth defects in the developing fetus.

How common is Zika virus?

Zika virus outbreaks occur throughout the world, mostly in places with warm, tropical climates where mosquitoes breed comfortably. In 2015 and 2016, Florida, Texas, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands experienced outbreaks. Even then, most sites had less than 50 cases.

As of September 2020, there were 13 Zika virus infections in US territories that were likely acquired through mosquitoes. There was only one case in the United States, and that person became ill while traveling out of the country.

How does Zika virus spread?

You are most likely to get Zika virus from the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. These mosquitoes thrive in tropical climates. Mosquitoes catch the virus when they bite a person infected with Zika. You can get the virus if an infected mosquito bites you. Apart from this, Zika virus also spreads in the following ways:-

1. From the pregnant woman to the fetus.
2. By having sex with an infected person.
3. Blood transfusion, but this is extremely rare.

Can you get Zika virus more than once?

People who have Zika virus develop immunity to the disease. You are unlikely to get another Zika infection even if you are exposed to the virus again.

Who can get Zika virus?

Anyone who has not had Zika virus and travels or lives in an area where the virus is present can get it.

What causes Zika virus infection?

Zika is a virus – specifically a flavivirus. Arthropods (insects with external shells), such as mosquitoes and ticks, carry flaviviruses. Other flaviviruses include dengue fever and yellow fever.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus infection?

Many people infected with Zika virus have mild symptoms or no symptoms. Zika symptoms may appear three to 14 days after infection and last for up to a week. You can experience:

1. Pain and redness in the eyes.
2. Fever.
3. Headache.
4. Joint pain or muscle pain.
5. Skin rash.

How is Zika virus infection diagnosed?

If you show symptoms of an infection or have traveled to an area with an active Zika virus outbreak, your healthcare provider may order a blood test or urine test to check for the virus. Testing should be done as soon as possible while you have symptoms.

How does Zika virus affect pregnancy?

Pregnant women who contract Zika virus can pass the infection to the fetus. The virus increases the risk of microcephaly, a birth defect that affects brain development. Babies born with this birth defect have smaller brains and heads. The CDC recommends that pregnant people not travel to areas with known outbreaks of Zika virus.

The risk of Zika virus also increases:

1. Low birth weight (newborns who weigh less than 5 pounds, 8 ounces).
2. Miscarriage, early pregnancy loss.
3. Premature labour, delivery before the 37th week of pregnancy.
4. Stillbirth: Giving birth to a dead fetus in the uterus after the 20th week of pregnancy.

What are the complications of Zika virus?

Most people experience mild symptoms. Rarely, an infected person develops Guillain-Barré syndrome. This condition causes the immune system to attack the nervous system. Symptoms such as muscle weakness and paralysis usually go away with time.

How is Zika virus infection managed or treated?

There is no vaccine or specific medicine for Zika virus. You can take these steps to reduce symptoms:

1. Drink plenty of fluids.
2. Get plenty of rest.
3. Take over-the-counter pain medicines for fever and pain.
4. Be sure to consult a doctor before taking medicines.

How can I protect myself from mosquitoes that spread Zika virus? 

These steps can protect you and your family from mosquito bites:

Apply insect repellents registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

1. Get rid of standing water in buckets or puddles around your home.
2. Stay indoors at dusk and dawn, when mosquitoes are most active.
3. Treat clothing and shoes with permethrin, an insecticide.
4. Wear long sleeves and pants outside.