Zika Virus: What You Need to Know

It’s a threat that you may be familiar with as news of an outbreak penetrates the media more and more, but you may not necessarily know what it is, and what it means for you as an expectant parent if you have been to an effected area.

What is Zika virus?

It is an emerging mosquito-borne virus that was first identified in Uganda in 1947, and was later found in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United republic of Tanzania. It is most commonly found in tropical areas, whoever due to urbanisation and globalisation, there are more environments in which Aedes mosquitoes can live and breed.

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How is Zika virus spread?

Zika virus is transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, in tropical regions. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya and yellow fever.

What are the symptoms of Zika virus disease?

The symptoms are usually mild, as 80% of people who become infected never have symptoms. In those who do show symptoms, the most common are fever and rash. Zika virus may also cause muscle and joint pain, headache, pain behind the eyes and conjunctivitis. Symptoms can generally last two to seven days.

Is there a treatment for Zika virus?

There is currently no cure or vaccine to protect against the Zika virus. However, people sick with Zika virus should get plenty of rest, drink enough fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice.

Who is most at risk when transmitting Zika virus?

Unborn babies are most at risk from Zika virus and potential complications. When expectant mothers are infected with Zika, their unborn child is at risk.

Healthcare workers are witnessing more and more cases of microcephaly in new-borns, which are suspected to have been caused by Zika. Therefore, an investigation is underway to examine the potential link between Zika virus in pregnant women and microcephaly in their babies.

Until more is known, at this time, women who are planning pregnancy should take extra care to protect themselves from mosquito bites.

How can you protect yourself?

The best form of protection against Zika virus is preventing mosquito bites. This can be done by using insect repellent, wearing clothes that cover as much of your body as possible, using physical barriers such as screens, closed doors and windows, and sleeping under mosquito nets.

SEE ALSO: What is MERS?

It’s also important to empty, clean and/or cover containers that even hold small amounts of water such as buckets, flower pots or tyres, so places where mosquitoes can or may breed are removed.

Should I avoid travelling to areas where Zika virus is occurring?

Travellers should stay informed about Zika virus and other mosquito-borne diseases and consult their local healthy or travel authorities if they are concerned.