Zika Virus: A mosquito-borne virus

Aedes mosquito that transmits Zika virus. Courtesy Wikipedia

Zika virus is a member of the Flaviridae virus family and Flavivirus genus, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes, the same mosquito that transmits dengue and chikungunya.

When it is transmitted, it usually causes mild fever, rash (exanthema), conjunctivitis, muscle or joint pain and general malaise that begins 2-7 days after the bite of an infected mosquito (which is a vector). But there is no evidence that it can cause death.

The virus was first isolated for the first time in 1974 in the Zika forest in Uganda. Since then, it has remained mainly in Africa, with small and sporadic outbreaks in Asia. In 2007, a major epidemic was reported on the Island of Yap (Micronesia), where nearly 75% of the population was infected. In may 2015, the public health authorities of Brazil confirmed the transmission of Zika virus in the North East of the country. There are speculations that the virus could have arrived during the world cup in 2014, when Brazil welcomed prayers, fans and others from around the world. Other places in the American region where the virus have been reported are: Barbados, Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Parquet, Puerto Rico, Saint Martin, Suriname and Venezuela.

The virus can also be transmitted through blood or sexual contact and from mother to child through breast feeding.

Treatment

Treatment consist of relieving pains, fever and any other symptom that inconveniences the patient. To prevent dehydration, it is recommended to control the fever, rest and drink plenty of water. There is no vaccine or specific drug for this virus.

Prevention

• Reducing mosquito population  and avoiding bites, which occur mainly during the day
• Avoid stagnate water
• Avoid accumulation of garbage
• Use screens and mosquito nets in windows and doors to reduce contact between mosquito and people.