Zika Virus

             

  Zika Virus:What You Need to Know

(In this article)

What is Zika Virus?

How Zika Virus Spreads?

Zika and Pregnancy Risks?

Diagnosis and Treatment?

Prevention?

The Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus that first came to light in 1947 in Uganda, discovered in a monkey in the Zika Forest—hence its name. Although it remained relatively obscure for decades, it gained global attention in 2015–2016 due to a major outbreak in Brazil and its association with serious birth defects.

How Zika Virus Spreads?

Zika is primarily spread by the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the same species that transmits dengue, chikun gunya, and yellow fever. Other modes of transmission include:

Mother to baby during pregnancy

Sexual transmission

Blood transfusion (rare)

Laboratory exposure

Symptoms of Zika Virus:-

Most people infected with Zika virus don’t show symptoms. If symptoms do occur, they are usually mild and last for 2–7 days. Common symptoms include:

Fever

Rash

Joint pain (arthralgia)

Red eyes (conjunctivitis)

Headache

Muscle pain

Because symptoms are similar to those of other mosquito-borne diseases, diagnosis requires laboratory testing.

Zika and Pregnancy Risks:-

One of the most serious concerns with Zika virus is its effect on unborn babies. If a pregnant woman becomes infected, the virus can cause microcephaly and other severe fetal brain defects, collectively known as congenital Zika syndrome.

This has led health authorities, especially during outbreaks, to issue travel warnings for pregnant women and advise on preventive measures.

Diagnosis and Treatment:-

There is no specific treatment for Zika virus. Care is supportive, such as:

Rest

Hydration

Pain relief (usually with acetaminophen; avoid NSAIDs like ibuprofen unless dengue is ruled out)

Diagnosis is done through blood or urine tests to detect Zika RNA or antibodies.

Prevention:-

Currently, there is no vaccine available for the Zika virus. Prevention focuses on avoiding mosquito bites and controlling mosquito populations:

Use insect repellent

Wear long sleeves and pants

Sleep under mosquito nets

Eliminate standing water where mosquitoes breed

In areas where the virus is active, couples are advised to use protection or abstain from sex, especially during pregnancy.

Conclusion

The Zika virus is a public health concern due to its ability to spread quickly and its potential to cause birth defects. Although outbreaks have declined since 2016, vigilance and mosquito control remain important, particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. Scientists continue to work on developing vaccines and improving diagnostic tools to better manage future outbreaks.