Zika Virus Infection: All You Must Know

The Zika virus infection is a disease caused by the Zika virus, which is spread to people primarily through the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito. The most common presenting symptoms of Zika virus disease are fever, headache, rash, joint pain, and red eyes (conjunctivitis). Other symptoms may include muscle pain, fatigue, and nausea. The condition is usually mild, with symptoms lasting several days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. However, in some cases, it may lead to more severe complications, such as microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome, and other neurological disorders.  Moreover, Zika virus infection during pregnancy may cause a serious congenital anomaly called microcephaly and other severe brain defects.

The Zika virus is primarily spread when infected Aedes mosquitoes breed in our surrounding preferentially in and near standing or stagnant water. It can also spread from a pregnant woman to her fetus during pregnancy or around birth. The other means of transmission of Zika virus infection are through sexual contact, blood transfusions, and laboratory exposure.

Diagnosis of Zika Virus Infection

Diagnosis of the Zika virus is vital for proper treatment and prevention of the further spread of the disease. To diagnose Zika, the doctor will enquire about any recent travel and any discomforts you are experiencing. Based on the interaction, the healthcare provider may recommend the following tests:

• Physical Examination is an integral part of the diagnosis process. During a physical exam, the doctor will study the medical history and examine the signs of infection, such as a red rash, red eyes, and joint pain. 
• Laboratory Testing is used to confirm the diagnosis of the Zika virus. The most common laboratory tests include reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). These tests can detect the presence of the virus in the patient's blood, urine, or saliva. 
• Imaging Tests, such as ultrasonography and computed tomography (CT) scans, are used to check for abnormalities in the brain and other organs that the Zika virus can cause. 

These tests can help determine the extent of the damage and whether there is any risk of complications.

Treatment for Zika Virus Infection

Currently, no vaccine or medication is available to treat Zika virus infection. The best way to protect against the virus is to prevent mosquito bites and to practice safe sex. It is also essential to take steps to reduce the risk of mosquito populations in affected areas, such as using pesticide sprays, removing standing water, and using mosquito nets.

For people manifested by the Zika virus, the symptoms can be reduced by primarily supportive care. It is important to get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take over-the-counter pain and fever medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. It is advisable to avoid alcohol and caffeine, as these can make the symptoms worse.

Though there is no specific treatment for Zika virus infection, most people recover without any lasting effects.

Ways to Prevent Zika Virus Infection

The best method to prevent Zika virus infection is to avoid mosquito bites. Additionally, it is essential to take measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and community. This includes eliminating standing water where mosquitoes can breed and using screens on windows and doors to keep mosquitoes out. Other ways to avoid mosquito bites include:

• Using Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
• Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants.
• Using air conditioning to keep mosquitoes outside.
• Avoiding outdoor activities during peak mosquito biting times, which are typically dawn and dusk

Other preventive measures that can avert Zika virus infection include:

ü  If you plan to travel to an area with Zika virus transmission, you should talk to your healthcare provider first. They may advise you to consider postponing your trip or taking other precautions to reduce your risk of infection.

ü  It is also necessary to use condoms or practice abstinence to prevent sexual transmission of the virus if your partner has traveled to or lives in an area with Zika virus transmission.

ü  If you or your partner has recently traveled to an area with Zika virus transmission, it is recommended to wait at least eight weeks before trying to conceive. If your partner is a man diagnosed with Zika virus infection, it is recommended to wait at least six months before trying to conceive.

ü  For pregnant women, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that pregnant women who have traveled to areas where the Zika virus is present or who have had Zika virus infection should be monitored for the development of microcephaly or other complications in their fetus.

The Bottom Line

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne infection that is spread by the Aedes species of mosquitoes. It is imperative for individuals, couples trying to conceive, and travelers to take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread and contraction of the Zika virus. In most cases, Zika virus infection is mild and does not cause noticeable symptoms. However, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should be especially cautious, as the virus has been linked to chronic birth defects, including microcephaly and other neurological abnormalities.

The best ways to prevent Zika virus infection include avoiding mosquito bites, taking measures to reduce the number of mosquitoes around your home and community, and avoiding traveling to areas with Zika virus transmission. There is currently no vaccine available to protect against Zika virus infection. However, research is ongoing, and a vaccine may eventually be developed. 

It is of utmost importance to contact your healthcare provider if you suspect you have a Zika virus infection.