What is Zika?
Zika virus is a flavivirus that is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitos. The virus was first identified in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys through a network that monitored yellow fever, and later discovered in humans in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Where is Zika found in the world?
Outbreaks of Zika virus have been reported from several different areas around the world including Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Pacific. Below is a map that shows countries and territories with active Zika virus transmission and reported cases.
How do you get Zika?
Zika virus can be transmitted through:
- mosquito bites (of an infected Aedes species mosquito)
- from infected mother to child
- sex
- blood transfusion
- laboratory and healthcare setting exposure
How do you know if you have Zika?
Many people infected with Zika virus won't have any symptoms or might only have mild symptoms. A blood or urine test can confirm Zika infection diagnosis, but there is no specific medicine to treat Zika. The most common symptoms of Zika are:
- rash
- fever
- conjunctivitis (red eyes)
- joint pain
Other symptoms include:
- headache
- muscle pain
Zika is typically mild and symptoms usually last for several days to a week. Usually, people who have Zika do not get sick enough to go to the hospital and it is also very rare for people to die of Zika. Since the symptoms of the virus are mild, some people might not even realize they have been infected.
If women get Zika during or before pregnancy, will their developing babies be affected?
If a woman gets Zika and recovers from the infection, they are believed to be immune to it, so no harm can come to the baby if the woman becomes pregnant later on. But, to be sure that no virus is in the blood even after a silent infection, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends waiting eight weeks (which is triple the amount of time the virus has been known to persist) before trying to conceive. If a woman is infected with Zika during her pregnancy, it is likely that the developing baby will be born with birth defects, or may possibly even die in the womb.
Microcephaly is a common birth defect associated with Zika that is shown in the picture above.
Are there preventions for Zika?
Yes. Protection against mosquito bites is key to preventing Zika virus infection. People can help protect themselves against mosquito bites by wearing light-colored clothes that cover as much of the body as possible. One could also use insect repellent containing DEET and use physical barriers such as window screens, closing doors and windows, and sleeping under mosquito nets to prevent getting bitten. In addition to this, people can prevent getting Zika virus through sexual transmission by practicing safe sex (including correct and consistent use of condoms) or abstaining from sexual activity. It is also important for people to check for any travel notices and learn about which areas are affected by Zika before traveling so that plans can be made accordingly and the proper preventative measures for both before, during, and after the trip can be taken.
Are there treatments for Zika?
There are no current treatments for Zika, but there are treatments for the symptoms. In order to treat the symptoms, one should get plenty of rest, drink fluids to prevent dehydration, and take medicine such as acetaminophen to reduce fever and pain.
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