| ZIKA Virus(ZIKV) |
It is a mosquito –borne virus is a flavivirus. Zika can be passed from a
pregnant woman to her fetus. Infection during pregnancy can cause certain birth
defects (microcephaly ), miscarriage, stillbirth, and other birth defects. It
can cause Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS).
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| First Identified In |
Monkeys in Zika forest in Uganda in the year 1947.
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| Transmission Mode |
1. Through mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti mosquitoes).
2. From a pregnant woman to her fetus.
3. Through sex.
4. Through blood transfusion (very likely but not confirmed).
Note: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are a vector of dengue and chikungunya.
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| ZIKA Virus Symptoms
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Fever, Rash, Headache, Joint pain, Conjunctivitis (red eyes),
Muscles pain
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| Incubation Period
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Unknown
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| Treatment
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No Proper Treatment till not available (Drug or vaccine). But patients are advised to take rest and drink
lot of water. Treatment, if required, is mainly supportive,including intravenous fluids and antipyretics. Anti-inflammatory drugs like
Ibugesic need to avoided till dengue positivity is completely
ruled out.
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| ZIKV disease Prevention and Control
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Measures for Prevention and Control is done by avoiding :
1. Mosquito bites (Aedes aegypti mosquitoes)
2. Sex ( using condoms or Avoid having sex.)
3. Through blood transfusion (very likely but not confirmed).
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| Laboratory Diagnosis
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It can be tested in a BSL-2 facility on pregnant women.In two pases(Acute phase and Convalescent phase)
Acute phase (3 – 5 days):
Detection of viral genome by RT-PCR in maternal serum and amniotic fluid.
Convalescent phase (≥5 days):
a. Serology by testing IgM antibodies in blood.
b. Plaque Reduction Neutralization Test (PRNT):
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Travel Advisory
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WHO does not recommend any travel restrictions related to Zika
virus outbreaks? Travelers are advised to take the suggested precautions to
prevent mosquito bites.
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