Zika virus: Facts & Prevention

Zika virus is a member of the Flaviviridae family and is transmitted to humans by

mosquitoes. It is related to other pathogenic vector borne flaviviruses including dengue, WestNile and Japanese encephalitis viruses but produces a comparatively mild disease in humans. In
2007, Zika virus caused an outbreak on the island of Yap in the Pacific. This was the first
documented transmission outside of its traditional endemic areas in Africa and Asia, and Zika
virus is considered an emerging infectious disease with the potential to spread to new areas
where the Aedes mosquito vector is present.
Zika, dengue and chikungunya viruses are transmitted by mosquitoes mostly active
during daytime, it's important that all travelers visiting affected areas continue to take protective
measures to prevent mosquito bites throughout the day. Zika virus infection is symptomatic in
only about one out of every five cases. When symptomatic, Zika infection usually presents as an
influenza-like syndrome, often mistaken for other arboviral infections like dengue or
chikungunya

Key facts

Zika

virus

disease

is

caused

by

virus

transmitted

by Aedes mosquitoes.

People with Zika virus disease usually have a mild fever, skin rash
(exanthema) and conjunctivitis. Incubation period is typically 312
days.

There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

The best form of prevention is protection against mosquito bites.

Symptoms of Zika virus infection

Symptoms of Zika virus include Low-grade fever (between 37.8C and
38.5C),Arthralgia, notably of small joints of hands and feet, with possible swollen joints, Myalgia
Headache, retro-ocular headaches, Conjunctivitis, Cutaneous maculopapular rash, Post-infection
asthenia which seems to be frequent. Rarely observed symptoms include digestive problems

(abdominal pain, diarrhea and constipation), mucous membrane ulcerations (aphthae), and
Pruritus.

Laboratory testing
1.
Order test from local laboratory:

IgM, IgG and PCR for Zika virus

Acute serum (taken within 5 days of symptom onset) and convalescent serum (2
3 weeks later) should be taken. The two samples are important to rule out false positive
tests due to cross reactivity with similar viruses such as Dengue

2.

Provide overseas travel details and clinical history including the onset day. Onset date is
extremely important to ensure that the most appropriate test is performed.

Treatment

Treat the symptoms:

o

Get plenty of rest and drink fluids to prevent dehydration.

Take medicine such as acetaminophen to relieve fever and pain.

Do not take aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like

ibuprofen and naproxen. Aspirin and NSAIDs should be avoided until dengue can be ruled
out to reduce the risk of hemorrhage (bleeding).

Preventive Measures
When traveling to countries where Zika virus or other viruses spread by mosquitoes are
found, take the following steps:

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants. Sleep under a mosquito bed net.

Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents. All EPAregistered insect repellents are evaluated for effectiveness.

Always follow the product label instructions

Reapply insect repellent as directed and do not spray repellent on the skin under
clothing.

If you have a child:

o

Do not use insect repellent on babies younger than 2 months of age.

Dress your child in clothing that covers arms and legs,

Cover crib, stroller, and baby carrier with mosquito netting..

Treat clothing and gear with permethrin or purchase permethrin-treated items.

Treated clothing remains protective after multiple washings. See product

information to learn how long the protection will last.

Reference
1. http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/zika/en/
2. http://www.cdc.gov/zika/about/
3. G. W. A. Dick, S. F. Kitchen and A. J. Haddow, Oxford Journals: Transactions Royal
Society Tropical Medicine & Hygiene, 2016, 46 (5): 509-20.
4. Zika Virusa review for clinicians ,British Medical Bulletin .June 9, 2016 accessed
from bmb.oxfordjournals.org/content/early/2016/06/08/
5. http://ecdc.europa.eu/en/healthtopics/zika_virus_infection/Pages/index.aspx

Mr.Paramesha,M.Sc [N],MBA,MSCP
Asst. Lecturer
Department of Mental Health Nursing
JSS College Of Nursing
Mysore-570 004
Karnataka

India
Contact: mob : 9964280269
email parameshnagesh@gmail.com