The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus first identified in Uganda in 1947 in the macaque monkey Rhesus. Human infections later emerged in other African countries during the 1950s.
The Zika virus is transmitted primarily by “Aedes” mosquitoes, mostly stung during the day. Small, stagnant watersheds abound around homes, schools, and workplaces. The virus is diagnosed based on blood or urine test results.
Symptoms
Only (20%) of those infected usually start 3-14 days after infection and are often mild. Severe infections requiring hospitalization or death due to infection are not common. The following symptoms include:
1- Fever
2- Premature birth and abortion
3- Rashes
4- Conjunctivitis
5- Muscle and joint pain
6- Headache
7- The birth of infants with several problems:
- Small head size and congenital abnormalities
- Intellectual or intellectual disability
- Problems with mobility and balance
- Nutrition Problems
- Difficulty swallowing
- Hearing impairment
Zika virus infection is associated with “Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS)” syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis in adults and children.
Transmission of disease
1- Through an infected mosquito bite
2- Mother-to-child transition
3- Blood transfusion and organ transplantation
4- Laboratory Contact: Health Care Workers or Laboratory Workers
5- Sexual intercourse
Prevention
- Wear light-colored clothing that covers as much body as possible
- Use of protective barriers for windows and closure of windows and doors
- Insect repellent use on skin or clothing containing “DEET”
- Use of mosquito nets (for children and pregnant women) when sleeping
- Follow travel health recommendations
- Beware of plants placed in pots
- Use of mosquito control devices
Treatment
There is currently no vaccine to prevent Zika virus infection and there is no specific viral drug to treat Zika virus infection
Tips for overcoming symptoms
1- Take a break.
2- Giving liquids to prevent dehydration
3- Use painkillers (acetaminophen) to relieve the severity of fever and pain and avoid taking anti-asteroids (aspirin) until “Dengue fever” is excluded. If symptoms persist, medical care and counseling must be sought.
