A health condition caused by a virus that spreads through Aedes mosquito bites is called the Zika virus. These mosquitoes live in different parts of the world. While most adults and children who get this virus develop a mild infection, it is very dangerous during pregnancy because it can pass to the developing baby. Usually, if you get this virus during pregnancy, it leads to serious congenital (present at birth) health conditions such as an underdeveloped brain and vision problems.
Sometimes, this condition is called Zika fever, and it is caused by a virus that begins to multiply when it enters the body. Usually, people do not know they have it because they experience mild symptoms or no symptoms at all.
Mosquitoes that carry this virus live in multiple parts of the world. These include the Americas, the Caribbean, and certain parts of Africa and Asia. Furthermore, there was a Zika epidemic from 2014 to 2017 in the Americas and from 2015 to 2016 in the U.S.
This virus is usually harmless for healthy adults and children, but very serious for pregnant women.
Symptoms
Not everyone who gets this virus will experience symptoms (about 1 in 5 people). Check some examples below:
- Headaches
- Joint pain
- Fever
- Redness of the eyes (pink eye or conjunctivitis)
- Rash that causes a mix of raised and flat red patches on the skin (maculopapular)
- Itching
If you experience any of the previous symptoms, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
The virus that causes this health condition is a type of flavivirus (an RNA virus that often spreads by mosquitoes). These viruses that lead to dengue fever and West Nile infections are also carried by mosquitoes and are a type of flavivirus. Check below some ways in which the Zika virus spreads:
- Mosquitoes – This is the most common way to get this virus. These mosquitoes may also get the virus if they bite an infected person.
- Pregnant women to fetus – Pregnant women with this virus may pass it through the placenta to the unborn baby. If it occurs, the baby may develop serious or even life-threatening congenital health conditions (such as microcephaly).
- Sexual intercourse – This virus stays in body fluids (such as semen) for weeks or even months after exposure to it. It may spread to other people even if you never developed symptoms. It may spread even through oral, anal, or vaginal sex.
- Blood transfusion – Previously, healthcare providers have reported that the Zika virus has spread through blood transfusions in Brazil and France. However, it never happened in the U.S.
Additionally, you should know that you can be contagious up to 6 weeks after the infection and symptoms begin. Therefore, the CDC recommends practicing safe sex by using condoms during sexual activity or not having sex for three months after traveling to areas where the Zika virus is common.
What Are The Possible Complications of the Zika Virus?
Rarely, people with this condition may develop a serious autoimmune disorder. It is called Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS), and it may cause weakness and paralysis. Usually, people recover from this complication in several weeks to months.
However, if you get the virus when you are pregnant, it may spread to the baby and cause serious health conditions. Approximately 5% of babies born with this virus develop the following problems. For example:
- Microcephaly – This is a condition in which the baby’s brain does not develop properly.
- Congenital Zika syndrome – This is a combination of serious conditions that are present at birth (congenital). For example, severe microcephaly, partially collapsed skull, decreased amount of brain tissue, eye damage, joint problems, and too much muscle tone (also known as hypertonia).
- Underdevelopment of the brain – These problems include neural tube defects, absence of folds in the brain (also known as smooth brain or lissencephaly), hydrocephalus, missing brain structures, brain atrophy, and others.
- Cerebral palsy – This is a serious health condition that negatively affects the ability to control muscles.
- Vision or hearing issues
- Low birth weight
How to Prevent Zika Virus?
There are multiple ways to prevent or avoid the Zika virus. Check some examples below:
- Get protection against mosquitoes – If you travel to areas where this condition is common, it is recommended to wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt, and use insect repellent.
- Practice safe sex – This virus may spread during sexual activity with an infected person. That’s why it is recommended to use condoms or abstain from sex for at least 3 months after exposure to the virus, even if you do not experience symptoms.
- Do not travel during pregnancy – You should avoid areas where the Zika virus is common when you are pregnant because getting the virus during pregnancy may lead to serious congenital health problems for the baby.
- Precautions before pregnancy – If you or your partner travels to areas with an increased risk of Zika virus or has been diagnosed with this condition, you should not get pregnant. It helps to reduce the risk of passing the virus to the unborn baby. Consult with your healthcare professional for more details.
Diagnosis
Usually, the diagnosis of this condition begins with a physical examination to check for irregularities linked to the disease and questions about the symptoms and places you have recently traveled. When doctors suspect the Zika virus, they may perform some tests to confirm the condition and exclude other conditions that may cause similar symptoms. Commonly, they perform a blood or urine test to check for the virus.
Treatment
However, there are no specific medications that may treat or cure this condition. TO reduce the symptoms, physicians may recommend some medicines. You can also talk with your doctor about measures to prevent the spread of the virus to other people.
They often recommend over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers such as Acetaminophen. You should not take Aspirin or NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) without a doctor’s approval because it may lead to unpleasant outcomes (such as bleeding).
While the virus may go away on its own in healthy adults and children, pregnant women who get this virus usually need treatment. Otherwise, this disease may cause permanent damage to the brain, eyes, and other organs of the unborn baby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Zika have a cure?
However, there is no way to cure Zika or complications caused by this virus. However, most people recover on their own.
What happens if I’m pregnant and get Zika?
If you test positive for Zika during pregnancy, your doctor will monitor your and your child’s health closely. After birth, doctors will perform tests to check for Zika virus complications. It is important to know that doctors cannot prevent or treat congenital health problems. That’s why it is recommended to identify this virus before pregnancy.
What are the primary symptoms of the Zika virus?
These include:
- Fever
- Rash
- Itching
- Joint pain
- Headaches
- Conjunctivitis
- Muscle pain
If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, immediately contact your doctor. If you have additional questions about the Zika virus, ask your healthcare provider.
