The infected bite of the Aedes Aegyti mosquito causes the spread of diseases such as dengue or chikungunya, and more recently its involvement in the transmission of the zika virus has also been discovered. This disease belongs to the flavivirus group, it is a condition with mostly mild symptoms that mean that most infected people cannot clearly distinguish its presence.
Only between 20 and 25% of those affected present clear symptoms that can lead to a diagnosis and appropriate rest measures, however there are indications that its infection in pregnant women could cause complications for the baby, such as microcephaly. In this ONsalus article we explain the symptoms, contagion and treatment of the zika virus, as well as the complications it can cause during pregnancy.
What is Zika virus?
The Zika virus is a condition that belongs to the flavivirus group, with symptoms very similar to pathologies such as dengue or fever yellow. This disease has its origin in the African country of Uganda, specifically in the Zika forest, where it was first detected in 1947 in a group of macaques. However, in 1952, the first cases of infected humans appeared in Uganda and also in Tanzania.
Until 2007 it was a relatively unknown condition with low global impact, until the virus was detected in one of the Micronesian islands with more than 8,000 affected. By 2013, a new outbreak in French Polynesia left more than 8,000 cases again. It was during 2014 and 2015 that the cases reached the American continent, presenting the first outbreaks in Brazil.
Because the symptoms are mild and in many cases the patient is not aware that they have the virus, effectively counting the cases of the disease has not been feasible until now, so those affected the date could be longer than you think.
How is this disease spread?
The Zika virus is transmitted mainly by the infected bite of the Aedes Aegypti mosquito, the same one implicated in the contagion of other viral conditions present especially in Latin America, Asia and Africa, as is the case with dengue and chikungunya. Other types of Aedes mosquitoes and some arachnids could also be carriers and guilty of spreading this virus.
With a lower incidence, cases of sexual transmission have also been reported, since the infection can remain in the man's sperm for 2 weeks, as well as contagion from the mother to the fetusand by infected blood transfusions, something that occurs in countries with poor sanitary controls. It has been proven that breastfeeding is not a means of transmission of this disease.
Zika virus symptoms
Once we are infected, this virus can take between 3 and 12 days to incubate, however between 75 and 80% of patients who contract the Zika virus will not present important symptoms, so that they will not be aware of their presence in the body.
Those who show signs of this condition may confuse it with a common cold or dengue fever. The symptoms of the Zika virus usually last between 2 and 7 days, and the most common signs are:
- Fever less than 39 ºC.
- Fatigue and malaise.
- Joint and muscle pain.
- Headache.
- Conjunctivitis.
- Inflammation in hands and feet.
- Appearance of a skin rash that may start on the face and then appear on the rest of the body.
- In some cases diarrhea and vomiting also occur.
Zika virus in pregnancy
Previous outbreaks of zika virus had not been presented as a major he alth complication in the countries where the outbreaks have occurred. cases, on the contrary, most of the patients did not manifest symptoms and those who did presented them mildly. Additionally, no deaths had been recorded due to this condition.
However, the outbreaks of this disease that occurred in certain states of Brazil during 2015 coincide with the increase in the birth of babies with microcephalyin this nation. Microcephaly is an anomaly that occurs during the development of the fetus or in the first years of life, in which the skull is smaller than usual, usually causing brain atrophy and various complications that, in some cases, can lead to to the death of the child.
Cases of microcephaly in Brazil have multiplied by 30, coinciding with the Zika virus outbreaks in this nation, which is why in November 2015 the Brazilian Ministry of He alth confirmed the relationship between the presence of this virus in pregnancy and cases of microcephaly. This anomaly, which can also occur when rubella is contracted during pregnancy, as well as toxoplasmosis, is considered to be very serious.
It is still unknown how the virus acts in the mother's body, nor if the condition represents a risk during the entire pregnancy or only during the first trimester. However, pregnant women should maximize preventive measures to avoid contagion of this condition.
In our article microcephaly: what is it and what are its complications, you will find more information about this condition.
How to prevent the Zika virus
Taking the necessary steps to prevent the zika virus is important, especially in the case of pregnant women, so it is recommended follow these suggestions:
- Use mosquito repellent during the day and night, spraying it on the skin and also on clothing. If you live in an area with a high presence of mosquitoes or in which outbreaks have occurred, it is also important to use repellents at home and metallic screens on windows and doors to prevent access of insects to your home. Mosquito nets on the bed can also be of great help.
- Avoid flashy, brightly colored clothing, which attracts more insects. Instead, cover your skin well with darker clothing and avoid leaving areas unprotected.
- Fill your house with highly effective aromatic plants that repel mosquitoes, such as citronella, lavender or eucalyptus. Citronella candles also work well.
- Avoid creating an environment that attracts mosquitoes, so we recommend that you do not leave accumulated garbage at home and avoid standing water in buckets, unused wells, old tires, etc. This is the perfect environment for mosquitoes to thrive.
Zika virus treatment
As with dengue or chikungunya , there is no treatment or vaccine against the Zika virus, which is why that prevention is essential. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, it is important to rest and take adequate rest to guarantee your recovery, in the same way it is recommended to increase hydration to combat fever and eat he althy to improve the prognosis.
Symptoms usually go away after a week.
This article is merely informative, at ONsalus.com we do not have the authority to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to go to a doctor in the event of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
