What is Zika?
/· The Zika virus is a virus spread through mosquitos
o through the bite of an infected Aedes species
o same mosquitoes that spread dengue and chikungunya viruses
· Is most common in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central and South America
· The CDC confirmed cases of the virus in the United States for the first time in January
· Virologists are concerned about Zika virus spreading and causing a US outbreak
o Because of how quickly it has spread in recent years
o First arrival in Puerto Rico during the holidays, and new reports of isolated cases in Texas this past month heightened concern
· Previously, it took the Zika virus over a century to spread through Central Africa and to the Far East
o Another 8 years before it was seen across the Pacific in South America
o Now the rate of the viral spread has increased
§ Spread through Mexico and the Caribbean by the end of 2015
· This is why scientists worry it will quickly spread through the United States as well
What are the symptoms of Zika?
· Fever
· Rash
· Joint pain
· Eye redness
· Symptoms are similar to those of dengue and chikungunya
· Severe disease is uncommon
How is Zika treated?
· Currently, there is not medication available to treat Zika
· As with other viruses, Zika relies on the body’s immune system to fight it off
· With proper rest and hydration usually goes away within a week
· You can take over the counter medicine to help reduce fever and aches or pains
· Prevention of Zika comes from avoiding mosquito bites
o Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
o Stay in places with air conditioning or that use window and door screens to keep mosquitoes outside
o Sleep under a mosquito bed net if you are overseas or outside and are not able to protect yourself from mosquito bites
o Use insect repellant
How serious is the Zika virus?
· The Zika virus is not fatal, but can pose some serious health complications
o For example, the virus has been linked to microcephaly in infants whose mothers had been affected by the virus
o A mother already infected with Zika virus near the time of delivery can pass on the virus to her newborn around the time of birth
o It is possible that Zika virus could be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy
· Zika has also evolved in behavior making it possible to spread faster, and spread sexually
· Spread of the virus through blood transfusion and sexual contact have been reported