This article explains all about Zika virus disease. Do you know about it? Zika virus infection occurs through intermediary Aedes mosquito, particularly Aedes aegypti species. It causes Zika disease or Zika fever.
Zika virus which has infected humans may cause some symptoms, such as fever, conjunctivitis (red eyes), rash, and joint pain. The symptoms of Zika disease can resemble the symptoms of dengue and chikungunya disease. It can happen to last a few days to a week.
Zika virus was first found on rhesus monkey which lives in the Zika jungle, Uganda, in 1947. Then, Zika virus rediscovered in the Aedes Africanus mosquito species in the same jungle in 1948. After that, Zika virus was found in humans in Nigeria in 1954. The Zika virus was becoming endemic diseases. It begins to spread beyond Asia and Africa in 2007 in the South Pacific region. In May 2015, this virus is widespread again in Brazil. The spread of this virus continues on January 2016 in North America, the Caribbean, South America, Africa, and Samoa (Oceania).
The Causes of Zika Virus Disease
The cause of the Zika disease or Zika fever is the Zika virus. Zika virus is included in the line of flavivirus virus that still comes from the same family as the virus that causes dengue fever or dengue hemorrhagic fever.
Zika virus is spread to humans by infected Aedes mosquitoes. Mosquitoes become infected after bite patients who already have the virus in their body. These mosquitoes are very active during the day. Moreover, it lives and breeds in the indoor or outdoor that are close to humans, especially in the place that there is a puddle of water.
Zika virus can be transmitted from a mother to her baby although it is rare. Zika virus is may be transmitted from a pregnant mother to the fetus in the womb and delivery time. Until now, cases that infants were infected through breastfeeding have not been found so medical experts encourage the infected mothers to keep breastfeeding their babies.
Also, there are some reports that Zika virus transmission occurs through sexual contact and blood transfusion.
The symptoms of Zika Virus Disease
Besides general symptoms that have been mentioned above, other symptoms of Zika virus that be found are a headache, pain behind the eyes, and tired. These symptoms are mild and lasted until about one week.
The incubation period of Zika virus is unknown. Possibly lasting up to 2-7 days since patients exposed to this virus (bitten by mosquito vectors). From the five people who have been infected with the virus Zika, a person becomes ill from the virus. Although it is rare, severe cases that require further treatment in the hospital, or even death can occur.
Zika virus transmission that occurs in the womb was associated with the occurrence of brain damage and microcephaly in the fetus. Microcephaly is a condition in which the circumference of the head is smaller than normal size.
The Diagnosis of Zika Virus Disease
Zika disease has symptoms that similar to many other diseases. It required examining the history of trips ever undertaken by the patient, especially to areas which have cases of Zika virus infection. It may help to make a diagnosis. The doctor may ask area, activity, and time during a visit to the area.
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The doctor may do blood tests, isolating the virus, or serologic testing to detect viral nucleic acid. Besides from blood sampling which is usually done in 1-3 days after symptoms appear, saliva and urine may also be a test material in the third to the fifth day.
The treatment for Zika Virus Disease
The treatment for Zika Disease focuses on reducing symptoms that are felt by the patient. It is because medications and vaccines for this disease have not been found. Treatment of the symptoms includes infusion of fluids to prevent dehydration, pain medication to relieve fever and headache. Use of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are not recommended before the possibility of dengue hemorrhagic fever can be eliminated.
For the patients who have been infected with the Zika virus are expected to avoid mosquito bites. This virus can survive a long time in the patient's blood so it may be spread to others through mosquito bites.
The prevention of Zika Virus Disease
Preventing from mosquito bites is one of the preventive ways. It can help you avoid the infection of Zika virus. Some preventive steps that can be done when you are in an area affected by Zika virus, that are:
- Ensuring the place where you live has air conditioning or at least has curtains of doors and windows to prevent mosquitoes from entering the room.
- Use mosquito nets on the beds if the place does not have the thing above.
- Use long-sleeved shirts and pants
- Use insect repellent material which is listed on the environmental protection agency (EPA), in accordance with the instructions on the packaging.
- Infants under two months are not allowed to use insect repellent material. So you must ensure that the baby clothes can protect from mosquito bites.
- Also, use of mosquito nets in a crib, stroller, and a sling or other baby carrier tools.
- Pay attention to the area of body children when applying insect repellent material. Avoid areas of the body that are injured or experiencing irritation, eye area, mouth, and hands.
- Learn the information about the area that you will visit, such as health facilities and the outdoor area before the departure time.
- Perform some tests of Zika virus after returning from traveling, especially if you are pregnant women.
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