Zika Virus: What You Need to Know About Symptoms and Prevention

The Zika virus is typically spread by the bite of an infected Aedes mosquito, however, in some cases, it can also spread from unprotected sex. In tropical and subtropical climates, the Aedes mosquitoes that spread Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever bite during the day, with peaks in the early morning and late afternoon/evening.  

Zika virus can also be spread from mother to fetus during pregnancy and through blood transfusions and organ transplants! However, cases of Zika virus sickness have fallen internationally since 2017, and 89 nations and territories have reported evidence of mosquito-borne Zika virus infection to date.  

What is Zika Virus? 

The Zika virus, also known as Zika fever, is transmitted by particular mosquitos, Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, but the majority of people are unaware of their infection or have just minor symptoms. Zika-carrying mosquitoes may be found all over the world, and as a result, Zika epidemics have occurred in the Americas, Asia, and in many countries in Africa.  

Zika is particularly dangerous for pregnant women because it can disrupt fetal development when it is transmitted from mother to fetus during pregnancy! Infection during pregnancy might result in birth abnormalities, and the fetus's brain may not grow normally. However, most adults get minimal Zika virus symptoms and can recover easily. 

What are the Common Zika Virus Symptoms?  

Only around one in five persons infected with Zika experience symptoms, and even then, they are usually quite mild and get ignored, which further spreads the infection among the local population! The most prevalent signs of Zika virus infection are fever, Zika rash (red patches that might be flat, elevated, or both), arthralgia (joint discomfort), conjunctivitis (red and inflamed eyes), and headache. Symptoms often last a few days to a week and resolve on their own, and the Zika virus seldom causes serious disease requiring hospitalization. 

How does the Zika Virus Spread? 

The Zika virus can spread in several ways, including mosquito bites, sexual encounters, pregnant mother to fetus, and blood transfusions.  

• Mosquitoes - The most prevalent method of Zika virus spread is through the bites of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus mosquitoes that are often found all across the world. They spread Zika by biting someone who is infected and then biting someone else, thus spreading the infection. 
• Unprotected Sexual Intercourse - Even if you never had symptoms or if your symptoms have subsided, the Zika virus can remain in your bodily fluids for weeks to months after infection and it can be transmitted to other persons by unprotected sexual intercourse. 
• Pregnant woman to the fetus - If you're a pregnant woman and have a Zika infection, the virus can infect the fetus, and this type of Zika infection can cause your baby to be born with various congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly.  
• Blood transfusions - Zika can be transmitted through blood transfusions, and certain countries, including Brazil and France, have recorded such incidences.  

Zika-related Complications in Pregnancy  

If you are pregnant and infected with Zika, the virus can infect the fetus, and disrupt its development, and approximately 5% of Zika-infected neonates suffer congenital abnormalities, such as microcephaly where the child's brain does not grow normally. 

• Congenital Zika syndrome - This is a collection of birth disorders that include severe microcephaly, a partially collapsed skull, lack of brain tissue, eye impairment, etc.  
• Improper brain development - This includes neural tube anomalies, a lack of folds in the brain or lissencephaly, hydrocephalus, brain atrophy, and other conditions. 
• Cerebral palsy - Cerebral palsy impairs coordination and motor control in the child.  

Zika Infection Diagnosis Process 

As we have already mentioned, the sign and symptoms of Zika virus can be very mild, and in some cases, there are no symptoms at all! A healthcare practitioner will diagnose Zika by examining the presence of the virus in your blood or urine, however, doctors usually only test for Zika if you have been to a Zika-risk area recently.   

What are the Treatment Options of Zika Virus?   

There is no particular Zika virus treatment, but your doctor can help you manage your symptoms and explain ways to avoid spreading the infection to others! If you test positive for Zika while pregnant, your doctor will advise you on how to properly treat your symptoms to avoid health complications for your baby.  

Most Zika symptoms can be managed at home with over-the-counter drugs such as acetaminophen, and you can also take aspirin or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if your doctor approves. Remember, if you have one of the disorders that have Zika-like symptoms, using aspirin or NSAIDS without your doctor's supervision may increase your risk of serious bleeding. 

How to Prevent Zika Virus Infection? 

If you are traveling to a Zika-risk area or if you live in one, you can take certain precautions to lower the chance of Zika infection.  

1. Protect yourself from mosquito bites
   Cover any exposed skin with clothing and use an insect repellent at all times! You should also always sleep indoors under a mosquito bed net or in a room with window screens.
   
   
2. Strictly avoid unprotected sex
   If you've been to a Zika-risk location or are experiencing a current epidemic, always use a condom during sexual intercourse, and if you have been diagnosed with the virus, avoid sex for at least three months to avoid infecting your partner.
   
   
3. Take special precautions if you are trying to conceive
   If you are trying to conceive but you or your spouse has traveled to a Zika-affected region or has been diagnosed with Zika, you should postpone conception to reduce the chances of spreading the infection to the fetus. Current standards recommend waiting two months (for those assigned female at birth) or three months (for people assigned male at birth) before having sex after traveling or experiencing Zika symptoms. However, if you are pregnant, it is best that you do not travel to Zika-risk areas, but if you live in one, you must take special precautions to protect your baby!   

Final Remarks  

The Zika virus is typically not dangerous for adults or children, however, it poses certain risks to pregnant women since the virus can infect the fetus and cause serious health impairments in the baby! A mother-to-baby Zika infection can cause the unborn baby’s brain to not grow properly, resulting in various health complications at birth. That is why, if you are pregnant or trying to conceive, you should take special precautions and consult a doctor about how to best protect yourself. Zika infection symptoms are often very mild, and some people don’t even experience symptoms, which is why doctors can only detect a Zika infection through blood tests.  

If you think you need a blood test for Zika, call Pathkind Labs right now! Our NABL certified lab offers test results on a faster turnaround time utilizing cutting-edge technology in state-of-the-art labs by our trained phlebotomists.