Zika is a virus primarily spread from one person to another through certain species of mosquitos. An infected man can also transmit the disease to his female partner during sex. The Zika virus is especially dangerous for pregnant women because they can transmit the disease to their fetus, which may lead to certain birth defects. Currently, there is no vaccination or medication available for prevention or treatment of the Zika virus.
Countries affected. In mid-July, the Florida Department of Health identified one neighborhood in Miami where Zika is being spread by mosquitos. Additionally, lab tests have confirmed that 1,403 US travelers returning home from other countries have been infected. Active Zika transmission has also been found in countries in Central & South America, the Caribbean, the Pacific Islands, and Africa. A complete and updated listing can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/zika/geo/active-countries.html.
Symptoms. The majority of people infected with the Zika virus do not experience any symptoms. Those who do have symptoms may experience fever, rash, joint or muscle pain, headache and/or eye irritation. Symptoms may last several days, or up to a week. Typically infection does not require a hospital visit, nor is it a fatal illness.
Diagnosis. A person’s recent travel history, along with the presence of the symptoms mentioned above, may lead your doctor to suspect Zika . The virus may be confirmed through a blood or urine test.
Risk during pregnancy. Though generally benign, the Zika virus is especially dangerous for women who are pregnant as it may lead to microcephaly (a small head), eye defects, hearing deficits, and impaired growth for the baby.
Management. There is no vaccine available for prevention of the Zika virus, nor are there any medications available for treatment. If infected, you can treat the symptoms by:
- Getting plenty of rest
- Avoiding dehydration by drinking plenty of fluids
- Taking Tylenol to reduce fever or pain. Be sure to avoid aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen.
Prevention. The best way to prevent transmission of the Zika virus is to avoid being bit by mosquitos. You can minimize your risk by:
- Wearing long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
- If spending a significant amount of time outdoors, such as while camping, you can pretreat your clothes and gear with permethrin.
- Using insect repellants which contain DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol. These chemicals have been proven strong enough to prevent transmission of the Zika virus, but are also safe enough to be used for pregnant/breastfeeding women and children [Note: All insect repellants should be avoided in children younger than 2 months; lemon eucalyptus and para-menthane-diol should be avoided in children younger than 3 years].
- Mosquito nets can be used to cover carriers, strollers, and cribs to protect young children.
- Removing standing water from around your home (think flower pots, buckets, animal bowls for feedings, tire swings, etc)
Additionally, if sexually active, be sure to use protection to avoid sexual transmission of the virus. If planning to travel internationally, check to see if your desired destination has reported cases of Zika. If reports have been confirmed, you may want to consider a different location, particularly if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.
