Healthy Line: How is Zika virus spread?

 

Zika Virus: A Comprehensive Overview

 

Introduction

The Zika virus (ZIKV) is an illness spread by mosquitoes and became a major topic all over the world because it caused many birth defects, particularly microcephaly. Uganda was where the first case of the virus was seen in 1947, but it didn’t become widely known until there were big outbreaks in the Pacific and the Americas in 2015–2016. The World Health Organization (WHO) stated in 2016 that Zika was a worldwide health emergency and could cause a great deal of harm.

It covers the history, ways to get infected, basic symptoms, medical diagnosis, how it can be treated, prevention and worldwide effects of the Zika virus.

 

1. History and Origin of the Zika Virus

The first case of the Zika virus was found in the Zika Forest of Uganda in 1947 when researchers were working on yellow fever. The virus was first found in a rhesus monkey by scientists and it was later seen in Aedes africanus mosquitoes in 1948. In 1952, the first people who got the illness were reported in Uganda and Tanzania.

Zika infections were not common and were usually light for many years, with only a few outbreaks in Africa and Southeast Asia. In 2007, Yap Island in Micronesia experienced a huge outbreak, the first time the disease spread widely outside Africa and Asia. The virus appeared in French Polynesia in 2013 and experts observed a rise in cases of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) and other neurological disorders.

The largest outbreak happened in Brazil in 2015 and Zika was identified as the reason for a significant increase in microcephaly among newborns. Because of this, people around the world became concerned which caused widespread research and public health actions.

Read Also: The Immune System: Your Body’s Defense Mechanism 

2. Transmission of the Zika Virus

Zika virus is mostly spread in these ways:

A. Mosquito Vectors

Most cases are carried by Aedes mosquitoes such as:

·        Most commonly, the species Aedes aegypti.

·        Asian tiger mosquito (Aedes albopictus)

They are very active during the day and prefer warm places close to the equator.

B. Non-Mosquito Transmission Routes

1.     Mother-to-Child (Congenital Transmission) – A virus can be transferred from a pregnant woman to her fetus which can lead to severe problems during birth.

2.     Through Sex – Zika infection can take place through unprotected sexual contact with an infected person, even if they look healthy.

3.     Blood Transfusion – There have been instances where people received Zika from contaminated blood.

4.     In the laboratory – There have been rare reports of people being infected while doing research.

 

3. Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations

Most people who get Zika virus (around 80%) show no symptoms. When an infection appears, the symptoms are usually mild and last for 2–7 days. Most people experience symptoms like:

·        Fever

·        Often, a rash is called maculopapular.

·        Pain in the joints, especially those found in the hands and feet

·        Sometimes, conjunctivitis (also called red eyes)

·        Muscle pain

·        Headache

 

Severe Complications

Zika is usually only mild, though it has also been tied to serious neurological problems.

A. Birth defects caused by Zika in babies (including microcephaly)

·        Small head and brain (known as microcephaly).

·        Brain calcifications

·        Problems with vision and hearing

·        Limb contractures

·        Developmental delays

 

B. Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS)

·        A condition that occurs when the immune system attacks nerves which results in muscles weakening and becoming paralyzed.

·        Sometimes, it needs high levels of medical care such as the use of ventilators for severe cases.

 

4. Diagnosis of Zika Virus

A diagnosis is formed using the following:

A. Assessing through Clinical Means

·        A person has symptoms or has been to areas where the virus is found.

B. Tests Conducted in a Lab

1.     RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction) is used to detect viral RNA in blood, urine or semen (especially in the first week after infection).

2.     Serology (IgM Antibody Test) detects antibodies in the blood but sometimes may react with dengue or yellow fever, so the test results can be inaccurate.

3.     Prenatal Testing – Doctors use ultrasound and amniocentesis to detect problems with the fetus during pregnancy.

 

5. Treatment and Management

There isn’t a particular antiviral drug designed to fight Zika. The main aim of management is to:

·        Take steps to manage symptoms (like rest, stay hydrated, use acetaminophen for pain).

·        Don’t take NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) until it is certain that dengue is not present (to avoid bleeding).

·        Keeping an eye out for any problems or difficulties (in pregnant women and GBS cases).

Scientists are still testing potential vaccines and antiviral drugs, but there are not any available yet.

 

6. Prevention and Control Measures

Because there is no vaccine, the main way to prevent Zika is:

A. Mosquito Control

·        Getting rid of any areas where water can collect and stagnate (in containers, tires or flowerpots).

·        Applying insect repellents (DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus).

·        Wearing clothing that covers the arms and legs (long sleeves and pants).

·        Putting up both window screens and bed nets.

B. Sexual Transmission Prevention

·        You should either not have sex for 3 months (men) or 2 months (women) after being exposed to Zika or always use a condom.

C. Travel Precautions

·        Pregnant women should postpone any travel to places with Zika.

·        Having a test for Zika when returning from places where it is common.

D. Public Health Strategies

·        Prompt surveillance and fast actions for outbreaks.

·        Teaching the public about controlling mosquitoes.

 

7. Global Impact and Outbreaks

In the Americas, the 2015–2016 epidemic was bigger than any other recorded outbreak.

·        Brazil recorded more than 200,000 cases and 20 times the normal number of microcephaly cases.

·        There was broad transmission of the disease in Colombia, Venezuela and Central America.

·        Authorities in the United States found cases involving travelers and only a little spreading in Florida and Texas.

Zika cases were reduced in 2017 because of herd immunity and mosquito control, although the threat is still there in tropical areas.

 

8. Current Research and Future Directions

·        Vaccine Development – Several vaccines are being tested in clinical trials (such as DNA-based and live-attenuated vaccines).

·        Antiviral Drugs – Scientists are testing drugs that stop viruses from multiplying.

·        Genetic Mosquito Control – Testing Wolbachia-infected or modified mosquitoes to cut down on the number of Aedes mosquitoes.

 

Conclusion

There is still a major health concern from the Zika virus in areas with Aedes mosquitoes. Even though the 2015–2016 pandemic ended, it can still return. Controlling mosquitoes, using safe sexual practices and traveling wisely are very important. Research into vaccines and treatments should continue to protect against more outbreaks.

It is important for people and countries to stay aware and cooperate, mainly to help protect women who are pregnant and their unborn children from Zika.

 

Sources (Use WHO, CDC and peer-reviewed journals to provide references for the full article.)

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