Zika Virus: EXPLAINED - Infection signs, disease symptoms, treatment, prevention and more

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquitoes, which bite during the day. Zika virus is transmitted by the bite of an infected mosquito from the Aedes genus, mainly Aedes aegypti, in tropical and subtropical regions. Aedes mosquitoes usually bite during the day, peaking during early morning and late afternoon/evening. This is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever, according to World Health Organisation (WHO).

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Signs & Symptoms 

The incubation period (the time from exposure to symptoms) of Zika virus disease is estimated to be 3–14 days. The majority of people infected with the Zika virus do not develop symptoms. Symptoms are generally mild including fever, rash, conjunctivitis, muscle and joint pain, malaise, and headache, and usually last for 2–7 days.  

Zika virus infection during pregnancy is a cause of microcephaly and other congenital abnormalities in the developing fetus and newborn. Zika infection in pregnancy also results in pregnancy complications such as fetal loss, stillbirth, and preterm birth.   

Zika virus infection is also a trigger of Guillain-Barré syndrome, neuropathy and myelitis, particularly in adults and older children. The virus is also transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy, through sexual contact, transfusion of blood and blood products, and organ transplantation. 

Prevention 

Protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection. Special attention should be given to the prevention of mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age, and young children. 

Personal protection measures include wearing clothing (preferably light-coloured) that covers as much of the body as possible; using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows; and applying insect repellent to skin or clothing that contains DEET, IR3535, or icaridin according to the product label instructions. 

Young children and pregnant women should sleep under mosquito nets if sleeping during the day or early evening.  Travelers and those living in affected areas should take the same basic precautions described above to protect themselves from mosquito bites. 

Treatment

There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases, according to WHO. Symptoms of Zika virus infection are usually mild. People with symptoms such as fever, rash, or arthralgia should get plenty of rest, drink fluids, and treat pain and fever with common medicines. If symptoms worsen, they should seek medical care and advice. 

Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission should seek medical attention for laboratory testing and other clinical care.