Zika virus: Symptoms, risks and preventive measures

The symptoms of zika virus infection include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually appear within a few days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito. (Image: Canva)

Zika virus, as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) is a mosquito-borne virus that was first discovered in Uganda in 1947. It can cause symptoms like fever, rash, joint pain, and headache. Zika virus has recently re-emerged in Pune, thus stressing on the need to understand its symptoms and take proactive preventive measures. This disease carried by mosquitoes poses substantial risks, especially for pregnant women and their unborn babies, caution experts.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), zika virus is primarily transmitted through the bite of infected aedes mosquitoes, which are prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Additionally, the virus can also be transmitted sexually from an infected person to their partner.

Symptoms of zika virus

The symptoms of zika virus infection include fever, rash, joint pain, muscle pain, headache, and conjunctivitis. These symptoms usually appear within a few days to a week after being bitten by an infected mosquito or through sexual contact with an infected person.

Risks associated with zika virus

The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights several risks associated with zika virus infection. Pregnant women infected with zika virus face an increased risk of giving birth to babies with congenital disabilities such as microcephaly, a condition where babies are born with abnormally small heads due to incomplete brain development. It also increases risks of fetal loss and premature birth. In adults and older children, zika can cause Guillain-Barre syndrome and neurological disorders like neuropathy.

Here are some safety measures that you may follow to prevent zika virus

Keep mosquitoes at bay: Apply mosquito repellent containing DEET, picaridin, or other EPA-approved ingredients to exposed skin.

Ensure proper clothing: Cover up with long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats, especially during peak mosquito activity periods (dawn and dusk).

Prevent mosquito breeding: Remove standing water around homes and communities to reduce mosquito breeding sites. This includes regularly emptying containers like flowerpots, buckets, and birdbaths.

Practice safe sex: Use condoms or abstain from sex if you or your partner have traveled to areas with ongoing zika virus transmission. This helps to prevent sexual transmission of this virus.

Stay informed: Stay updated with travel advisories and health alerts issued by health authorities regarding areas with zika virus transmission.

Visit your Dr: Pregnant women and those planning pregnancy should seek advice from Dr before travelling to areas with known zika virus transmission to assess the risks and take appropriate precautions.