A Complete Guide To Zika Virus

The Zika virus is back in the news, with a recent rise in cases being reported in a few cities. This mosquito-borne illness, while typically mild for most people, can pose serious health risks for pregnant women and their developing fetuses.

Let’s delve into the latest developments and explore what you need to know about the Zika virus.

The Virus

The Zika virus is a single-stranded RNA virus of the Flaviviridae family. Zika disease can be transmitted by the bite of an infected Aedes species mosquito. Zika disease transmission is similar to dengue, chikungunea, yellow fever, and West Nile virus. Although it was discovered in the Zika forest in Uganda in 1947 and is common in Africa and Asia, it did not begin spreading widely in the Western Hemisphere until May, when an outbreak occurred in Brazil. 

Transmission Of Virus

1. Zika Virus Transmission through Mosquito Bite

• Only female mosquitoes bite people; they need blood to lay eggs. They pick up the Zika virus from the blood of infected persons. It travels from the gut through its circulatory system to its salivary glands and is injected into its next human victim. Mosquito saliva contains proteins that keep blood from clotting. When a mosquito bites, it first injects saliva so its prey’s blood does not clog its strawlike proboscis.

2. Human to Human Transmission of Zika Virus

• Zika virus spread can occur during unprotected sexual intercourse with a person infected with Zika virus. 
• Can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her developing baby (foetus).

3. Possible Zika Virus Transmission via Blood Transfusion

• People from areas with Zika disease outbreaks should be screened before blood donations.

Symptoms Of Infection

Now that we have read about the spread of Zika virus disease, let’s read about symptoms of Zika virus infection. The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is not clear but is likely to be a few days. The symptoms are similar to other virus infections such as dengue, and include:

• Fever
• Skin rashes
• Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
• Muscle and joint pain
• Weakness
• Headache

These symptoms are usually mild and last for 2-7 days.

However, there have been cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome reported in patients following suspected Zika virus infection.

Diagnostic Test For Zika Virus

There is no widely available test for Zika. Because it is closely related to dengue and yellow fever, it may cross-react with antibody tests for those viruses. To detect the virus, a blood or tissue sample from the first week in the infection must be sent to an advanced laboratory so the virus can be detected through sophisticated molecular testing.

Zika Virus Infection during pregnancy

The CDC has determined that contracting the Zika virus while pregnant can lead to microcephaly and other significant brain-related issues in fetuses. In light of the potential risk of microcephaly resulting from maternal Zika virus infection, it is recommended that both fetuses and newborns of pregnant individuals who have been infected with the Zika virus undergo an assessment to detect potential congenital infection and neurological complications.

How To Prevent Zika Virus?

• There is no vaccine against the Zika virus. Efforts to make one have just begun, and creating and testing a vaccine normally takes years and costs hundreds of millions of dollars.
• The best mode of prevention of Zika virus spread is by destroying mosquito breeding grounds and reducing the risk of mosquito bites.

Zika Disease Prevention For Pregnant Women

Because it is practically impossible to completely prevent mosquito bites, the C.D.C. (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has advised pregnant women to avoid going to regions where the virus is being transmitted and has advised women thinking of becoming pregnant to consult doctors before going.

Zika Disease Prevention For Travellers To Zika Virus-Affected Areas

Travelers to affected countries are advised to avoid or minimize mosquito bites by staying in screened or air-conditioned rooms or sleeping under mosquito nets; wearing insect repellent at all times; and wearing long pants, long sleeves, shoes and hats. Use wire mesh on doors and windows; and empty, clean or cover containers that can hold water for mosquito breeding.

Treatment For Zika Virus Infection

• Lack of Specific Antiviral Treatment: Currently, there exists no targeted antiviral therapy for Zika virus disease. 
• Supportive Approach to Treatment: Management primarily focuses on providing supportive care advised by a doctor. This includes ensuring adequate rest, maintaining hydration, and using prescribed analgesics and antipyretics.
• Consideration of Other Infections: Given the similar distribution and symptomatology, individuals suspected of having Zika virus infections should also be assessed for potential dengue or chikungunya virus infection.
• Caution Regarding Medications: Until dengue infection can be ruled out, the use of aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) should be avoided to minimize the risk of hemorrhage. Do not self-medicate.
• Protection against Further Mosquito Exposure: Individuals infected with Zika, chikungunya, or dengue viruses should take measures to prevent additional mosquito exposure within the initial days of illness. This precautionary step helps prevent the infection of other mosquitoes and subsequently reduces the likelihood of local transmission.

Zika Virus Spread In India

Though caution is advised, Indians need not panic. Zika is not life-threatening like dengue and chikungunya, and it is a self-remitting disease, so there is nothing to get anxious about.

Since the virus is not indigenous to India, being careful of the vector and taking the same precautions as you would against dengue should help keep the disease at bay.

The most important point is to avoid travelling to affected areas such as Latin American countries like Brazil, and the Caribbean, especially pregnant women and women who are planning a child.

References:

1. https://www.who.int/india/health-topics/zika-virus-disease
2. https://www.cdc.gov/zika/hc-providers/preparing-for-zika/clinicalevaluationdisease.html

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