A disease caused by the Zika virus transmitted by mosquito bites.
In most cases, there are no symptoms. In a few cases, Zika can cause paralysis (Guillain-Barré Syndrome). In pregnant women, it may result in subsequent birth defects.
If present, the symptoms are mild and last for less than a week. Includes fever, rash, joint pain, and red eyes.
There is no vaccine or specific treatment. Instead, it is focused on relieving symptoms and includes relaxation, dehydration, and acetaminophen for colds and pain. Aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen should be avoided.
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that first appeared in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. It was later founded in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Outbreaks of the Zika virus have been documented in Africa, the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. From the 1960s through the 1980s, rare cases of human infections were found throughout Africa and Asia, often accompanied by minor illnesses.
The first recorded outbreak of the Zika virus was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) in 2007. This was followed by a major outbreak of Zika virus infection in French Polynesia in 2013 and other countries and areas of the Pacific. In March 2015, Brazil reported a major outbreak of the outbreak, which was soon identified as Zika virus infection, and in July 2015, it was found to be linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
In October 2015, Brazil reported an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during the United States, in Africa, and other parts of the world. To date, 86 countries and territories have reported evidence of Zika-transmitted mosquito infection.
More about Zika virus history
Table of Contents
Signs and symbols
The incubation period (the time of exposure to symptoms) of the Zika virus is estimated at 3-14 days. Most people infected with the Zika virus have no symptoms. Symptoms are usually mild which includes fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle, and joint pain, depression, and headache, and usually last 2-7 days.
Problems with Zika virus disease
Zika infection during pregnancy is the cause of microcephaly and other abnormalities in the developing fetus and newborn baby. Zika infection in pregnancy leads to pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, stillbirth, and premature birth.
Zika infection is also the cause of Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy, and myelitis, especially in adults and children.
Research is still underway to investigate the effects of Zika virus infection on pregnancy outcomes, prevention and control strategies, and the effects of other neurological infections in children and adults.
Transfers
Zika virus is most commonly transmitted by the bite of Aedes-infected mosquitoes, especially Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical areas. Aedes mosquitoes often bite during the day, rising sharply in the morning and afternoon/evening. This is the same mosquito that spreads dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.
Zika virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusions of blood and blood products, and transplants.
Diagnosis
Zika infection can be suspected based on the symptoms of people living in or visiting Zika infected areas and/or Aedes mosquito vectors. Diagnosis of the Zika virus can only be confirmed by laboratory tests of blood or other body fluids, such as urine or semen.
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne flavivirus that first appeared in Uganda in 1947 in monkeys. It was later founded in 1952 in Uganda and the United Republic of Tanzania.
Outbreaks of the Zika virus have been documented in Africa, the United States, Asia, and the Pacific. From the 1960s through the 1980s, rare cases of human infections were found throughout Africa and Asia, often accompanied by minor illnesses.
The first recorded outbreak of the Zika virus was reported from the Island of Yap (Federated States of Micronesia) in 2007. This was followed by a major outbreak of Zika virus infection in French Polynesia in 2013 and other countries and areas of the Pacific. In March 2015, Brazil reported a major outbreak of the outbreak, which was soon identified as Zika virus infection, and in July 2015, it was found to be linked to Guillain-Barré syndrome.
In October 2015, Brazil reported an association between Zika virus infection and microcephaly. Outbreaks appear to be exacerbated during the United States, in Africa, and other parts of the world. To date, 86 countries and territories have reported evidence of Zika-transmitted mosquito infection.
