Zika virus is a type of virus belonging to Flaviviridae family and transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. This virus was first detected in the Zika forest of Uganda in 1947 and hence the name. The symptoms of Zika virus is similar to that of dengue fever causing fever, rashes and body pain. But in most of the cases symptoms are mild and go undetected. The infected blood would remain in the body of the person for a week or more during which he/she can transmit the virus to others through exchange of fluids. Zika virus is not very serious like Dengue or Chikungunya fever and it can be controlled and treated fully.
Prevalence :
Zika virus is known to spread symptoms in the equatorial regions of Africa and Asia in the early days. In the year 2014 some cases were reported in the eastern Pacific regions like French Polynesia and Easter Island. In 2015 Zika outbreak was found in Central America, Mexico and the Caribbean regions. Initially Zika virus infection have been reported in many areas of Southeast Asia and Africa. It was in May 2015 the first case of infection was reported in Brazil by PAHO.
CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) of the USA has issued certain guidelines early in January 2016 to restrict frequent travels in affected countries and to follow certain precautions. CDC has also issued specific guidelines for pregnant women since they are at increased risk of getting infected causing problems in newborn babies via mother-to child transmission.
Which States Have Issued Warnings?
Following the impact of CDC guidelines many governments including Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Ecuador and Jamaica has issued travel warnings to prevent the risk of getting infected. First case of Zika virus was reported in February 2016 in the Dallas County of Texas which was considered through sexual transmission by infected person.
Symptoms :
Not all the people infected with Zika virus would have symptoms. For many of them there would be no signs or have mild symptoms. Only one person out of 5 people getting this virus would develop symptoms. Broadly speaking the signs of Zika infection is very much like that of dengue fever and chikungunya symptoms. Some of the common symptoms of Zika virus infection are fever, joint pain, rash and reddening of eyes. It can cause headache and general weakness.
It might take few days for the first symptom to appear after getting transmitted with the virus. Some people have been tested positive for Guillain Barre Syndrome after getting Zika virus infection. Again this virus infection is not that serious and few of them would visit the clinic for the above symptoms. However, the virus can survive in the blood of the person for few weeks before getting transmitted to other person.
Mode Of Transmission or Causes :
It is the Aedes mosquito that carries the Zika virus and transmit it to the person while biting him/her. And more particular it is found that the virus is transmitted by aggressive mosquitoes that bite you during daytime. Human beings are the prime targets of Zika virus though cases of animals have been reported to get infected with this virus.